Bandi Chhor Divas 2026: Why Sikhs Celebrate the Festival on Diwali

Bandi Chhor Divas 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, coinciding with Diwali. The Sikh festival commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from Gwalior Fort along with 52 imprisoned princes.

The occasion is remembered as a symbol of freedom, justice, compassion and standing up for others. Sikhs celebrate it by visiting gurdwaras, offering prayers, singing hymns, lighting lamps and participating in community service.

Bandi Chhor Divas 2026: Key Details

• Festival: Bandi Chhor Divas
• Date: 8 November 2026
• Day: Sunday
• Lunar occasion: Kartik Amavasya
• Associated Guru: Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
• Historical event: Release from Gwalior Fort with 52 princes
• Traditional year: 1619 CE
• Important religious sites: Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar; Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib, Gwalior
• Main message: Freedom, justice and compassion

What Does Bandi Chhor Divas Mean?

The term Bandi Chhor Divas means the Day of Liberation of Prisoners.

• Bandi: Prisoner or captive.
• Chhor: One who releases or sets free.
• Divas: Day.

The title Bandi Chhor is associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji because he secured the release of 52 imprisoned princes along with his own freedom.

The festival represents the principle that freedom should not be limited to oneself but should extend to others facing injustice.

History of Bandi Chhor Divas

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and the concept of Miri-Piri

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became the sixth Sikh Guru in 1606 after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

He introduced the concept of Miri-Piri, represented by two swords,

• Miri: Worldly authority, justice and responsibility.
• Piri: Spiritual authority and religious guidance.

He also established the Akal Takht in Amritsar, which became an important center of Sikh religious and temporal authority.

Imprisonment at Gwalior Fort

During the rule of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was imprisoned at Gwalior Fort, currently located within the state of Madhya Pradesh. This imprisonment is traditionally associated with rising concerns over the increasing influence of the Sikh community.

Many local rulers and princes were also imprisoned here, including, traditionally referred to within Sikh history, fifty-two Hindu Princes.

There are varying accounts as to how long the Guru was imprisoned for but Sikh tradition states that he was released in 1619.

The Release of 52 Princes

According to Sikh tradition, Emperor Jahangir eventually ordered the Guru’s release. However, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji refused to leave the fort unless the other imprisoned princes were also freed.

The emperor reportedly agreed to release those who could leave while holding the Guru’s robe.

To ensure that all 52 princes could accompany him, the Guru arranged a special robe with 52 tassels, allowing each prince to hold one.

Consequently, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and all 52 princes walked out of Gwalior Fort together.

Return to Amritsar on Diwali

After his release, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji returned to Amritsar around the time of Diwali. The Sikh community welcomed him by illuminating the city and the Harmandir Sahib with lamps.

This event became associated with Bandi Chhor Divas, which Sikhs celebrate on the same occasion as Diwali.

Why Is Bandi Chhor Divas Celebrated?

Bandi Chhor Divas is an important message within Sikhism.

1. They show everyone should be free, as Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji would not be free if others weren’t free.

2. Justice and equality, helped to free people from different communities.

3. Showing compassion.

4. Bravery and wisdom, the Guru was showing that it is important to be brave and have wisdom to stand up against injustices.

5. Helping humanity, as it shows the Sikh value of seva.

Is Bandi Chhor Divas the Same as Diwali?

Bandi Chhor Divas and Diwali are observed on the same night, but they commemorate different religious and historical events.

Aspect	Diwali	Bandi Chhor Divas
Primarily associated with	Hindu, Jain and other traditions	Sikh tradition
Significance	Varies across religious and regional traditions; includes the victory of good over evil and worship of Goddess Lakshmi	Release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 princes
Main message	Light, prosperity and the triumph of good	Freedom, justice and compassion
Celebrations	Diyas, Lakshmi Puja, rangoli and sweets	Kirtan, prayers, lamps, langar and community gatherings
Date	Kartik Amavasya	Coincides with Diwali

For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas is an important occasion in its own right, with a distinct historical significance and religious identity.

How Is Bandi Chhor Divas Celebrated?

1. Celebrations at Gurdwaras

2. Nagar Kirtan and Langar

3. Celebrations at the Golden Temple

4. Celebrations at Home

5. Celebrations Around the World