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About Bandi Chhor Divas

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About Bandi Chhor Divas

Bandi Chhor Divas, the Day of Liberation, is a Sikh celebration held on the same day as Diwali. It remembers the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from the Gwalior Fort, where he had been held by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Sikh tradition tells that the Guru agreed to leave only if 52 kings held with him were freed too. Told that any who could hold on to his clothes could go, he wore a cloak with 52 tassels, and every king walked out with him. When he reached Amritsar, people lit lamps to welcome him.

Today the Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib, and Gurdwaras around the world are lit with lamps and lights, with fireworks over the sarovar. Families visit the Gurdwara, listen to kirtan, share langar, light diyas at home and give sweets.

  • Same day as Diwali
  • Remembers Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru
  • Lamps and fireworks at Amritsar

Where it began

Bandi Chhor means release of prisoners. Sikh tradition tells that Guru Hargobind was held at Gwalior Fort under the Mughal emperor Jahangir, and that when he was freed he asked for 52 imprisoned kings to be freed with him.

The story tells that the Guru was allowed to take as many as could hold onto his cloak, so he wore a cloak with long tassels and all 52 walked out with him. He reached Amritsar around the time of Diwali, and people lit lamps to welcome him.

Gwalior Fort, where the story of Bandi Chhor beginsGwalior, Madhya Pradesh

How it grew over time

  1. Early 1600s

    Guru Hargobind is held at Gwalior Fort and then released with 52 kings.

  2. 17th century

    Lamps are lit at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar to welcome him.

  3. 18th and 19th centuries

    The Diwali gathering at Amritsar becomes one of the main Sikh assemblies of the year.

  4. Today

    Sikhs around the world keep the day with lights, prayer and langar.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Amritsar, Punjab

    The Golden Temple glows with lamps and fireworks over the sacred pool.

  • Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

    Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor stands at the fort where the Guru was held.

  • UK, Canada and US

    Gurdwaras hold kirtan, firework displays and langar for the community.

Bandi Chhor Divas moments

An old engraving of Gwalior FortGwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Gwalior Fort in an old printGwalior, Madhya Pradesh
The rock of Gwalior in an old engravingGwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Bandi Chhor Divas today

Families light lamps at home and at the gurdwara, join kirtan, share sweets and serve langar. The day is a reminder of standing up for the freedom of others.

How people celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas

  • Lighting diyas and candles
  • Illumination of the Golden Temple
  • Fireworks over the sarovar
  • Kirtan and Ardas at the Gurdwara
  • Langar and sweets
  • Seva for the community

How to wish well

  • Happy Bandi Chhor Divas or lakh lakh vadhaiyan (a hundred thousand congratulations) are warm wishes. Many Sikh families also say Happy Diwali on the same day.
  • Mention light, freedom, Chardi Kala (high spirits) or sarbat da bhala (good for all).
  • Keep the Guru's story and Gurbani respectful; light jokes about sweets are fine.

Questions about Bandi Chhor Divas

When is Bandi Chhor Divas 2026?

Bandi Chhor Divas falls on the same day as Diwali, 8 November 2026.

What is Bandi Chhor Divas?

The Sikh Day of Liberation, remembering how Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was released from Gwalior Fort along with 52 imprisoned kings.

What do you say on Bandi Chhor Divas?

Happy Bandi Chhor Divas, or in Punjabi, Bandi Chhor Divas diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan.

Is Bandi Chhor Divas the same as Diwali?

It falls on the same day, and both are festivals of light, but Bandi Chhor Divas has its own Sikh meaning: freedom and justice.

Why is the Golden Temple lit up on Diwali?

People of Amritsar lit lamps to welcome Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji home after his release, and the tradition continues every year.

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