Sikh gurus occupy a position of high respect in Sikhism and it is one of the reasons why followers of this religion celebrate Diwali.
The legend relates to Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth guru. Explaining the significance of the legend, MS Randhawa, an Airoli resident said, “We consider Diwali an important celebration because this is the day when Guru Hargobind Singh returned to Amritsar after his release from the Gwalior fort prison along with 52 other Hindu kings and princes.”
He added that Jehangir had put forth a condition that only those prisoners who can hold on to the guru’s cloak can leave. The guru had then conceived a novel plan. He had a cloak made with 52 extensions and had each prisoner held onto one of the extensions and thereby succeeded in freeing them. Thus, guru Hargobind came to be known as Bandi Chhor (liberator). The day he came to Amritsar, the city was lit up with numerous candles, lamps and came to be celebrated as Diwali.
Punjabis celebrate the festival with same enthusiasm and fervour as any other occasion. Gurudwaras across nodes have gurbani kirtans narrating the life story of Guru Hargobind Singh.
Further, not only Punjabis but people from all communities and different faiths are allowed to join the celebration. “All the devotees who come to gurudwaras, bring different sweets. The sweets are then mixed in a big vessel and distributed among all,” added Randhawa.
The Chhabra family in Vashi celebrates Diwali with the characteristic Punjabi vigour. As they run a business, the family gathers at the shop after their morning prayers for another round of prayers with the staff members. “We call all the staff while we recite the 90-minute long Sukhmani Saheb Paath after which kada parshad and other sweets that we prepare at home are distributed among them. It is a day that fills everyone’s homes with brightness people are decked in new clothes, houses lit with diyas and lanterns and sweets and greetings being exchanged everywhere,” said Manmeet Singh Chhabra.
“In the evening many people gather at gurudwars to light candles in front of our holy flag Nishan Saheb. It is particularly a spectacular sight to watch so many rays of light together,” said Gurleen Kaur Chhabra adding, “My daughter Ameek not only loves to distribute sweets among our neighbours and her friends but also loves to accompany her brother in bursting crackers. For two to three days they light sparklers, flower pots and enjoy themselves.”
