Sikhs recently celebrated a prestigious festival known as Bandi Chhor Divas; 'Bandi' meaning imprisoned 'Chhor', freed and 'Divas', day. That was the ' Day of Liberation' where Sikhs celebrated the liberation of fifty-two Rajput kings and the Sikh religion' s sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji who was also imprisoned.
Bandi Chhor coincides with the Hindu festival of light, Diwali. These two festivals are usually commemorated with friends and family. Candles are lit in front of doorsteps and holy temples including the Sikh temple known as the Gurdwara and the Hindu temple known as the Mandir. Bandi Chhor first started in the autumn of 1619 and is celebrated in October and November, depending on the Lunar calendar.
The Sikh Guru had been told by the Mughal Emperor that he could be disenthralled with one condition stating he was permitted only to take as many kings as he could while holding onto him. However much to their surprise, the Guru delighted in this challenge and specially prepared a 'Chola' (part of a Sikh's uniform) with 52 tassels attached to it which stretched for yards behind him. These fifty-two kings grasped a tassel; 26 on the right and 26 on the left. Walking behind the Guru, the kings embraced the sunlight and freedom as they walked out of the gates of Gwalior Fort.
"Bandi Chhor is the day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji releases 52 kings from Gwalior fort and this day is otherwise known as the 'Day of Liberation'. For me this means that I need to free my mind from the corruption and nefariousness in the world and achieve liberation for my mind" says Kiran Kaur, 45
So, what did you contemplate on and how are you going to procure the goal you set?
By Eisher Aujla
