The Reverence of Bandi Chhod Divas
Describing the unique history of the Sikh community, Bandi Chod Diwas is celebrated with reverence and respect by the community. Bandi Chhod Day is associated with the sixth Patshah Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib. On the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas, lakhs of devotees from home and abroad pay obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and express their respect.
The Significance of Bandi Chhod Divas and Historical Background
After releasing 52 kings from the fort of Gwalior, the sixth king reached Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Amritsar on this day, on which the devotees expressed their happiness by lighting ghee lamps. This tradition continues even today. The history of Bandi Chhod presented a great example of justice and justice which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The independence and lofty personality of the sixth Patshah Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji started shaking the government of the time. Along with this, the followers of Guru Ghar also filled the ears of the government.
Guru Hargobind Sahib’s Imprisonment, Release and its Impact on Human Rights
Emperor Jahangir imprisoned Guru Hargobind Sahib in the fort of Gwalior following treacherous tactics. In this fort, Jahangir also kept 52 kings of different princely states imprisoned. These kings had abandoned the idea of their independence and had gone into utter despair. The company of Guru Sahib had a very good effect on the minds of these captive kings, and a ray of hope was awakened in them. Along with this, there was a lot of anger in the minds of the Sikhs due to keeping Guru Sahib as a prisoner in the fort, seeing which the government had to announce the release of Guru Sahib.
Guru Sahib bent the government for the release of captive kings with him, and thus Guru Sahib freed them and gave a new light to the people. With this step of Guru Sahib, the light of freedom in humanity was once again illuminated. The history of Bandi Chhod Day inspires the struggle for human rights. It has been a characteristic of the Sikh community that it has always struggled against social injustices as well as forced oppression. Sikhs never lost courage in times of challenges and struggles.
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The Legacy of the Fifth Patshah and the Rise of Armed Strength
Governments of the time have often tried to suppress human rights. Even during the time of the Gurus, the coercion of the governments was at its peak, against which the Gurus raised their voice. The martyrdom of the fifth Patshah Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji also took place while raising the voice of right and truth. After the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, to deal with the tyranny of the government, the sixth king encouraged the Sikh community to be armed and gave a message to master horse riding and the art of war. Along with this, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, a symbol of independent existence, was established.
Read More - Martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Bhai Mani Singh’s Sacrifice on Bandi Chhod Divas
Another page of Sikh history is associated with Bandi Chhod Day. There came a time for the Sikh nation when the government planned to exterminate the Sikhs. Sikhs started living in forests. At the same time, Bhai Mani Singh, the granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harimandar Sahib, sought permission from the government to gather the devotees at Sachkhand Sri Harimandar Sahib on the occasion of Bandi Chod Divas. The government gave this approval in lieu of payment of tax under bad faith. The intention of the government was to eliminate the gathered Sikhs. When Bhai Mani Singh found out, he stopped the Sangat from coming to Amritsar. The government's plans to harm the Sikhs were foiled. The iron-clad government targeted Bhai Mani Singh. Bhai Mani Singh was ordered to convert to Islam or die in exchange for not paying taxes. On this, Bhai Mani Singh accepted the martyrdom, guarding the glorious history of the Sikh community. Bhai Mani Singh was beheaded by the Mughal government.
Read More - Bhai Mani Singh Ji - Brief Life Sketch of Scholar Martyr
Bandi Chhod Divas as a Beacon for Unity and Reflection
Even during the difficult period of the 18th century, the Sikh panth used to gather in Sri Amritsar on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas and conduct a national accounting. On this occasion, future-oriented priorities were determined by considering the actions of the past. If we talk about the present time, even today the nation is facing various challenges. Even today, along with the abundance of corruption in society, anti-sect forces are active, for which the unity of the sect is a must. Tactics are being carried out under the efforts of the Sikhs to break the Sikh institutions established with sacrifices and to weaken the Sikh power.
The Call to Action for Present Times
Today, it is necessary that the Sikh community, being aware of the anti-cult tactics, should stand together to face the challenges according to their old traditions. While congratulating the devotees on Bandi Chhod Day, I appeal that the Sikh community should also take guidance from its own history on this historic day. The message of Bandi Chhod Day is an invitation to sit together and unite to overcome sectarian challenges. On this occasion, along with lighting up your homes, you should also light up your heart through the light of Shabad Guru and always be ready for the progress of the Sikh community.
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