Why Sikhs Celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas: The Sakhi of Gwalior Fort & the 52 Kings
Following the martyrdom (Shaheedi) of Fifth Patshah Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1606 CE, his young son Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji instituted the dual sovereignty of Miri (temporal justice and protection of the weak) and Piri (spiritual elevation), establishing Sri Akal Takht Sahib across from Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.
1. Imprisonment at Gwalior Fort
Alarmed by the growing spiritual and moral independence of the Sikh community, Mughal Emperor Jahangir detained Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at the hilltop fortress of Gwalior Fort in central India. Inside the fortress, Guru Sahib found 52 regional Hindu kings (Rajas) who had been held captive for years in harsh conditions without hope of release.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji comforted the captive rulers, shared his meals with them, and led daily Gurbani Kirtan and Naam Simran inside the prison walls — transforming despair into spiritual strength. Meanwhile, devout Sikhs led by Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji travelled in peaceful delegations from Amritsar to Gwalior to bow before the fort walls, while respected Sufi saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji counselled Emperor Jahangir to release the innocent Guru.
2. The Robe of 52 Kaliyan (Tassels)
When Emperor Jahangir finally ordered Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s unconditional release in autumn 1619 CE, the 52 captive kings pleaded with Guru Sahib not to leave them behind. Demonstrating the core Sikh principle that true spirituality never abandons the oppressed, Guru Sahib declared that he would only leave Gwalior Fort if all 52 kings were freed with him.
Thinking only a handful of prisoners could ever fit around one garment, the Emperor issued a shrewd condition: “Anyone who can hold onto the hem of the Guru’s robe may walk out free.”
Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji had a special royal Chola (long cloak/robe) stitched with 52 Kaliyan (flowing tassels and panels). As Guru Sahib stepped through the gates of Gwalior Fort, each of the 52 kings held firmly onto one tassel of his robe — and all 52 walked out into freedom together. From that day forward, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became revered across India as “Data Bandi Chhor” (The Benevolent Liberator of Captives).
3. Return to Sri Amritsar & the First Deepmala
When Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji arrived back at Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar, his return coincided with the autumn festival of Diwali. Overjoyed by their Guru’s return, Baba Buddha Ji and the entire Sangat illuminated Sri Harmandir Sahib and the city of Amritsar with thousands of earthen oil lamps (Deepmala) — symbolizing that the light of truth, compassion, and human freedom had triumphed over tyranny.