Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by various communities across India, each imbuing the occasion with its unique cultural and historical significance. For Sikhs, Diwali holds special importance as they commemorate Bandi Chhor Divas, a day intertwined with the release of their sixth Guru, Hargobind Sahib Ji.

The roots of Bandi Chhor Divas trace back to the early 17th century when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, found himself imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The Guru's imprisonment took place in the imposing walls of Gwalior Fort. The incarceration of the Guru led to a fervent desire for freedom, not just for himself but for all those unjustly detained. The turning point came on the auspicious day of Diwali in 1619 AD when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, was released.