Bandi Chhor Divas ("The Day of Liberation") is one of the most luminous and inspiring sacred occasions in the Sikh calendar. It honours Sixth Patshah Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who was detained by Mughal Emperor Jahangir at Gwalior Fort in central India alongside 52 regional Hindu kings (Rajas). When the Emperor finally ordered Guru Sahib’s release in autumn 1619 CE, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji refused to step out into freedom alone while the 52 innocent rulers remained behind bars.
When the Emperor decreed that whoever could hold onto the hem of the Guru’s garment would be allowed to go free, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji had a special royal Chola (robe) stitched with 52 Kaliyan (flowing tassels). Holding onto the 52 tassels of Guru Sahib’s robe, every single captive king walked out of Gwalior Fort to freedom — earning the Sixth Guru the eternal title "Data Bandi Chhor" (The Benevolent Liberator of Captives). Upon his return to Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar on the evening coinciding with Diwali, Baba Buddha Ji and the Sangat lit thousands of earthen lamps (Deepmala) to celebrate the triumph of human liberty, compassion, and spiritual light.
At Gurdwara Sahib Darwin (8 Earhart Court, Marrara NT), the Top End Sangat gathers from morning until night for Sukhmani Sahib Path, soulful Kirtan Darbar, Katha reflecting on Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s teachings of Miri-Piri (spiritual and temporal responsibility), and evening Deepmala candle lighting after 7:30 PM followed by free vegetarian Guru ka Langar for the whole Darwin community. In keeping with community safety and care for our Darwin neighbours and wildlife, fireworks are strictly not permitted on Gurdwara premises.
