Today, we mark Bandi Chor Divas—the Emancipation Day—when in 1619, Guru Harigobind Sahib walked out of the confines of Gwalior Fort prison, securing the freedom of fifty-two political prisoners held captive under the rule of Emperor Jahangir.

Although Bandi Chor is traditionally celebrated alongside Divali, many Sikhs trace the actual event to 1 Phagan (around 12 February). According to Bhatt Vahi Talaunda, Guru Harigobind Sahib’s return from Gwalior took place during this time. It records his journey from Gwalior through Kalanaur and his arrival in Amritsar, where the Sikhs welcomed him with lamps and rejoicing at Sri Harimandar Sahib.

Emperor Jahangir had ordered Guru Harigobind Sahib’s imprisonment at Gwalior Fort. Among those also held there were fifty-two kings. Tradition holds that when the emperor finally decided on the Guru’s release, Guru Harigobind Sahib insisted that these rulers be freed as well. Jahangir consented, but with a condition: only those who could physically hold onto the Guru’s cloak would be released. In response, Guru Harigobind Sahib had a special cloak made with fifty-two strands, allowing all the prisoners to leave with him. It was this act that earned him the title ‘Bandi Chor’ (Liberator of Prisoners). In that single gesture, the Guru transformed a moment of personal release into a collective liberation—turning freedom into a gift rather than a privilege.

In remembrance of this moment, Sri Akal Takht Sahib—the Timeless Throne—is illuminated each year, overlooking Sri Harimandar Sahib (the dwelling place of the Divine) across the Amritsar sarovar (the pool of nectar). Each light that glows across the water seems to whisper the same truth: that the radiance of freedom shines brightest when it is shared.

This illumination is more than a celebration; it stands as evidence of the ever-ascending spirit of protection under the Sabad—the Infinite Wisdom that frees human consciousness from bondage and elevates life to a state where there is no subjugation of any kind. It calls us toward self-sovereignty, an inner awakening through which Guru Harigobind began to free the Sikhs—not only from external domination but from the inner bondage of ego and attachment.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਰਸਿ ਪਰਸਿਐ ਕੰਚਨੁ ਕਰੈ ਮਨੂਰ ਮਲੀਣਾ।
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬਾਵਨੁ ਚੰਦਨੋ ਵਾਸੁ ਸੁਵਾਸੁ ਕਰੈ ਲਾਖੀਣਾ।
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਰਿਜਾਤੁ ਸਿੰਮਲੁ ਸਫਲੁ ਕਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਲੀਣਾ।
ਮਾਨ ਸਰੋਵਰੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਾਗਹੁ ਹੰਸ ਜਲਹੁ ਦੁਧੁ ਪੀਣਾ।
ਗੁਰ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਹੈ ਪਸੂ ਪਰੇਤ ਕਰੈ ਪਰਬੀਣਾ।
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਬੰਦੀਛੋੜੁ ਹੈ ਜੀਵਣ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਰੈ ਓਡੀਣਾ।
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨ ਅਪਤੀਜੁ ਪਤੀਣਾ ॥੨੦॥

The eternal Guru is like the philosopher’s stone, whose touch transforms base metal into gold.
The eternal Guru is like the sandalwood, whose fragrance sanctifies all that come near and renders them priceless.
The eternal Guru is like the wish-fulfilling tree, which makes even the fruitless silk-cotton tree abundant with fruit.
The eternal Guru is like the sacred lake Manasarovar, where even crows become swans, discerning and drinking the milk from water.
The eternal Guru is like the sacred river of pilgrimage, which makes even animals and spirits wise and skilled.
The eternal Guru is the liberator from bondage, who frees and emancipates those bound by anxieties of attachments even while they are alive.
Through Guru-orientedness, the wavering mind attains steadfast love and conviction.

     Bhai Gurdas Ji, Var 26 Pauri 20

Guru Harigobind Sahib’s act was not merely one of compassion—it was a declaration of the sacred right to freedom, both internal and external. As Bhai Satta and Balvand remind us, the Guru’s promise of spiritual (Sabad) and physical (langar) sustenance continues to guide the Sikh community on this path. The Guru’s message endures: freedom begins within, and its fragrance spreads wherever hearts awaken to the Divine call.

On this Bandi Chor Divas, may we look inward. The true celebration of this day lies not in ritual or festivity alone, but in living its essence—seeking justice that begins within the self. To honor the Guru is to embody the freedom the Guru showed us, allowing the light of Sabad to illuminate our minds and guide our actions.

With gratitude,
The SikhRI Team