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Amritsar, October 21 (IANS) Thousands of devotees on Tuesday offered prayers at the Golden Temple complex here and took a holy dip in the ‘Sarovar’ on the occasion of Bandi Chhod Diwas.
The complex, where Harmandir Sahib, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, is located, has been illuminated with LED lights and earthen lamps and decorated with flowers, giving it a spectacular look.
There was a festive atmosphere at the temple complex in the holy city of the Sikhs as devotees started gathering even before dawn to offer prayers and seek blessings.
This day is celebrated as Bandi Chhod Diwas (Prisoner Liberation Day) in Sikhism. On this day, the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind, returned to Amritsar after being released along with 52 kings from Gwalior jail by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1619.
Giani Raghbir Singh, chief granthi of Harmandir Sahib, said in a message that Bandi Chhod Diwas is “not just a celebration of happiness but also a reminder of the sacrifice and humanitarian contribution of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib”.
According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Mughal Emperor Jahangir imprisoned Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib in the Gwalior Fort to prevent Sikhism from flourishing. Jahangir fell ill and could not recover despite efforts. To get rid of his illness, Sufi saint Sai Mian Mir advised Jahangir to release Guru Hargobind Sahib. The Guru refused to be released alone. Jahangir said that whoever could come out holding the ‘Palla’ (the last part of the garment) of the imprisoned Guru could be released.
The Guru stitched a special cloth, by wearing which the 52 kings in jail were released from the jail.
On reaching Amritsar, the Sikhs welcomed Guru Hargobind Sahib by lighting earthen lamps. SGPC, the mini-parliament of religion, says, “This day is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Diwas with the grandeur of Khalsa. Bandi: Prisoner, Chhor: Release and Day: Day.”
–IANS
VG/DPB