📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov. Conta
Religion
Golden Temple Crowds Celebrate Guru Harigobind Sahib’s Return on Bandi Chhod Diwas
✍️ Amar Ujala · Amritsar
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 12:01 PM
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Thousands of devotees gathered at Amritsar’s Golden Temple on Bandi Chhod Diwas, coinciding with Diwali, to honour the arrival of the sixth Paatshah, Guru Harigobind Sahib, who is said to have liberated 52 kings from Gwalior Fort.
Amritsar’s Golden Temple became a focal point of celebration on Bandi Chhod Diwas, which this year fell on the same day as Diwali. A large congregation of devotees assembled around the sanctum, lighting rows of lamps and chanting hymns to mark the occasion.
According to worshipper Pradeep Kaur, the sixth Paatshah, Shri Guru Harigobind Sahib Ji, arrived in Amritsar after a historic journey from Gwalior Fort, where he is believed to have secured the release of fifty‑two imprisoned kings. The narrative of this liberation was recounted by several attendees as part of the festive programme.
The crowd, described as “numerous” by on‑site observers, participated in a communal diya‑lighting ceremony that illuminated the temple complex. Video footage captured the sea of lamps and the enthusiastic response of the gathered sangat.
Local authorities reported that the event proceeded peacefully, with police and municipal staff managing the flow of devotees. No incidents were reported, and the celebrations continued well into the night, blending the religious significance of Bandi Chhod Diwas with the festive spirit of Diwali.
The gathering underscores the enduring reverence for Guru Harigobind Sahib’s legacy in the Sikh community and highlights the Golden Temple’s role as a central venue for major religious observances in Punjab.
According to worshipper Pradeep Kaur, the sixth Paatshah, Shri Guru Harigobind Sahib Ji, arrived in Amritsar after a historic journey from Gwalior Fort, where he is believed to have secured the release of fifty‑two imprisoned kings. The narrative of this liberation was recounted by several attendees as part of the festive programme.
The crowd, described as “numerous” by on‑site observers, participated in a communal diya‑lighting ceremony that illuminated the temple complex. Video footage captured the sea of lamps and the enthusiastic response of the gathered sangat.
Local authorities reported that the event proceeded peacefully, with police and municipal staff managing the flow of devotees. No incidents were reported, and the celebrations continued well into the night, blending the religious significance of Bandi Chhod Diwas with the festive spirit of Diwali.
The gathering underscores the enduring reverence for Guru Harigobind Sahib’s legacy in the Sikh community and highlights the Golden Temple’s role as a central venue for major religious observances in Punjab.