Why is Diwali Important to Sikhs?
The Third Sikh Teacher, Guru Amar Das institutionalised Diwali as one of the special days when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Guru’s blessings at Goindwal Sahib in Amristar District.
In 1577, the foundation stone of The Golden Temple was laid on Diwali day.
The Diwali festival took place during the life of the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Sahib.
The Muslim Emperor Jahangir, who ruled India, imprisoned the Guru and 52 Kings.
He relented to public appeal to release the Guru but the latter refused, demanding the release of the kings as well.
The Guru and the Hindu kings were also freed in October 1619, which is celebrated as ‘Bandi Chhorh Day,’ which in course of time is also celebrated as Diwali Day.
Soon after release, Guru Hargobind Sahib went to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Sikh Diwali is celebrated throughout India and in many other countries to remember the release of Guruji’s.
On this day, the religious freedom of Sikhs is worshipped.
Guru Hargobind’s mother was happy over the release of her son and ordered that food and sweets be given to all.
Worshippers float multi-coloured light candles on the water at the Golden Temple.
A spectacular fire display is also held in the Gurdwara.
The Sacrifice
Bahi Mani Singh was a great Sikh scholar and martyr who transcribed the final version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dictation from Guru Gobind Singhji in 1704 at Damdamma Sahib.
After the heavenly abode of Guru Gobind Sahib in 1708, he took charge of Harmandir Sahib’s management.
In 1737, invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib.
A tax of `5000– about $170 (some authors have mentioned the amount as `10,000) had to be paid to the Mogul governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan.
Bhai Mani Singhji later discovered the secret plan of Khan to kill the Sikhs during a gathering. He immediately sent a message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. Khan was not happy about the situation and ordered Bhai Mani Singh’s assassination at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him limb-by-limb to death.
Ever since, the great sacrifice and devotion of Bhai Mani Singhji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) celebration.
