As the world celebrates Diwali to mark end of Lord Rama's 'vanvaas', Sikhs light 'diyas' to remember this Guru

Updated: Oct 19, 2017 | 14:17 IST | Times Now Digital

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus across the world. It is the day that marks the end of Lord Rama's vanvaas (a period of 14 years that Rama, Lakshama along with Rama's wife Sita spent in forest, living like saints and shedding the comfort of the royal palace) and to mark the triumph of good over evil.

But Diwali or Deepawali is not just limited to Hindus. The Sikhs everywhere on earth celebrate the day, but for a completely different reason. A reason which many don't know about. 

According to Metro.co.uk, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhorh Diwas, which translates to 'Prisoner Release Day' that falls on the same day as Diwali. 

This day is celebrated to mark the day when Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth guru of Sikhs, was released from Gwalior Prison in 1619 on the orders of Mughal ruler Jahangir.

'The day of liberation' also signifies the victory of good over evil or right over wrong and on this day, the Sikhs around the world pay tribute to Guru Hargobind Sahib as he saved lives of 52 men without resorting to violence. 

According to the legends, as reported in Metro, Guru Hargobind was arrested by the Mughals and was held as a political prisoner.
Jahangir, the Mughal emperor ruling India at that time, met with Guru Hargobind and gradually they became close. This happened after Guru's prayers helped Jahangir cure from a serious illness. 

After the incident, the Mughal ruler agreed to release him. But Guru had a condition- he will only accept the release order if the other 52 prisoners were also released along with him. 

At first, Jahangir refused but only to come up with a challenge for the Guru that could help him take all the 52 men with him. He declared that whoever could get hold onto Guru's cloak, will be allowed to walk free. 

The Guru made a cloak with 52 tails and all the men could hold onto it, hence walked out of the prison as free men. 

This marked the day to be known as Bandi Chhorh Divas by Sikhs. It also attracts pilgrims to the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar. 

On this day, the day of Diwali, The Golden Temple is a sight to behold.