Bandi Chhor Divas · freedom · justice · service
What is Bandi Chhor Divas?
Bandi Chhor Divas is a major Sikh observance commemorating Guru Hargobind Sahib’s release from Gwalior Fort and his securing the release of 52 detained rulers.
A Sikh observance
The day honors freedom shared with others.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee explains that Guru Hargobind Sahib would not accept release for himself alone. He asked that 52 other detainees be freed with him. Sikh communities remember this history through prayer, Gurbani kirtan (singing sacred Sikh hymns), seva (selfless service), langar (the free community meal), and gatherings at gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship).
The open fort gate and shared path symbolize collective freedom.
The calendar connection
Bandi Chhor Divas and Dīpāvalī share a calendar date.
They are distinct observances with different histories and meanings. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee explains that Guru Hargobind Sahib reached Amritsar on the occasion of Diwali. This historical connection explains why the dates coincide. Sikh calendars and gurdwaras remain the authority for Bandi Chhor Divas.
Open Pañcāṅga locates the shared date through an astronomical condition: Amāvāsyā must overlap the early evening pradoṣa interval during regular amānta Āśvina.
Why it appears
The sky check finds Āśvina Amāvāsyā during pradoṣa.
The report shows Bandi Chhor Divas when the new-moon tithi overlaps the interval from local sunset through 144 minutes after sunset. It names the Sikh observance separately from Dīpāvalī so their meanings remain clear.
Sources: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Guru Hargobind Sahib · Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Gurpurbs · Ministry of Tourism, 2026 Dīpāvalī date