ਦਿਵਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਬੰਦੀ ਛੌੜ ਦਿਵਸ । Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas...

Diwali has been celebrated by people before Sikhi, like Vaisakhi. However, from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, such public or religious days of the prevailing traditions of the time were used an opportunity to spread the message of Truth and break people from falsehood. From the time of Guru Amar Das Ji, Diwali and Vaisakhi were chosen days for the whole Sikh community from far and wide to gather for some days and engage in Gurbani, Kirtan, Seva and Katha to become spiritually strong that Sikhs did not assimilate or become absorbed in the empty rituals, superstitions and false customs of the times. 

These gatherings were called Jorr-Melas. Jorr means “to connect or unite” and mela means “gathering”. These were gatherings with a purpose and objective, ie to get closer to Vahiguru, join with Gurbani and unite as a sovereign nation. Today we must ask ourselves whether such prevelant holidays, whether Diwali or New Years eve are just Melas (gatherings) or are we using these community days as “Jorr Melas”. 

Later, this day also become an opportunity to remember and celebrate Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji leaving the Gwalior prison and freeing with him 52 kings who were political prisoners and had no hope of leaving alive. According to Bhatt Vehi historical account (Guru Kian Sakhian pg 30-31), Guru Ji left with the prisoners on Tuesday 26th October 1619, which was one day before Diwali that year. 

Guru Ji arrived in Amritsar according to Bhatt Vehi on Thursday 28th December 1620 and another account says February. It was common for the Sikhs of Amritsar to welcome Guru Ji with oil lamps (deevay) after long periods of being away on travels. So it was not a one-off when coming back from the Gwalior. Dates and days is not a big thing in Sikhi. The main thing is remember and learn from history and get closer to becoming better Sikhs of the Guru through Gurbani, Simran, and Seva. 

May Guru Ji bless us all with freedom from our demerits, negativities, and vices and also free our nation and homeland from the shackles of oppression, assimilation and destruction.