Sikh Diwali Celebration

Remembering Guru Hargobind’s Victory for Truth and Freedom

Objective

To read the Sikh story of Diwali and reflect on how the principles in the story can be applied in our lives.
While the Sikh New Year falls in April, Sikhs also celebrate Diwali in a similar way to Hindus: divas are lit, presents are exchanged, and children enjoy fireworks and bonfires.

However, the Sikh celebration commemorates an important historical event rather than the Hindu story of Rama and Sita.
It marks a time when Sikhs celebrated truth, justice, and freedom.

The Festival Story – Guru Hargobind

In the days of the fifth Guru Arjan, times were difficult for Sikhs living in northern India. The Muslim emperor Jehangir arrested Arjan, who died as a prisoner.
Arjan’s son, Guru Hargobind, took over leadership in 1606. Initially, he maintained friendly relations with the emperor but soon faced suspicion because he had built an army and a fort in Amritsar.
As a result, he was imprisoned at Gwalior Fortress.

Sharing and Compassion

At the same time, fifty-two Hindu princes were held in the same prison. They were malnourished and mistreated, but Guru Hargobind shared his food with them. Sikhs outside the prison protested daily, praying silently for the Guru’s safety.
Eventually, the emperor recognized the Guru’s innocence and ordered his release.

However, Guru Hargobind refused to leave without the fifty-two princes. The emperor set a challenge: only as many princes as could hold onto the Guru’s clothing while passing through the narrow doorway would be freed.

The Cloak of Freedom

Calmly, Guru Hargobind received his special cloak with tassels and instructed each prince to hold a tassel. One by one, all fifty-two princes followed the Guru through the narrow doorway to freedom.
This act of intelligence, courage, and compassion ensured the release of the prisoners.

This event occurred during Diwali, and Sikhs celebrate the festival to honour Guru Hargobind’s victory for truth and freedom.

The Role of Women in Sikh Faith

Author: Barjinderpal Kaur Lall

The role of women in the Sikh faith is clearly defined by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Guru Granth Sahib (p.473):

• In a woman, a man is conceived,
• From a woman, he is born,
• With a woman he is betrothed and married,
• With a woman he contracts friendship,
• Why denounce her, the one from whom ever kings are born,
• From a woman, a woman is born,
• None may exist without a woman.

The Gurus set the pace for equality among humans through their teachings and actions, long before similar ideas emerged in the Western world.

Historical and Social Context

While celebrating 300 years of the events at Anandpur Sahib, we also mark 530 years of progressive social reform, theological equality, economic contributions, political leadership, and effective change management inspired by the Sikh Gurus (1469–1999).
These reforms were occurring during Tudor England, long before the Industrial Revolution and the Suffragette movement.

Contributions of Women to Sikh Faith

Bebi Nanaki

Guru Nanak’s elder sister recognized his spiritual talent and encouraged his devotion to God through music and Kirtan, central to Sikh worship today.

Mata Sulakni

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s wife nurtured their sons with serenity, patience, and assertiveness, managing social care in Kartarpur during Guru Ji’s travels.

Mata Khiwi

Wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji, she institutionalized the Guru Ka Langar, serving all people equally, promoting unity and social equality.

Mata Mansa Devi

Wife of Guru Amar Das Ji, she raised awareness of widows’ plight, empowered women to manage social centers, and helped implement effective social reforms.

Bibi Bhani

Wife of Guru Ram Das Ji, she balanced religious service and family life, guiding her sons, including Guru Arjan Dev Ji, on spiritual and construction projects.

Mala Ganga Ji

Mother of Guru HarGobind Ji, she cultivated courage, bravery, humility, and service in her son, preparing him for leadership.

Mata Nanaki

Mother of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, she guided him to meditate and accept God’s will, ensuring the search for the True Guru continued peacefully at Bakala.

Mata Sahib Devan & Mata Sundri

Mata Sahib Devan, the “Eternal Mother of Khalsa Panth,” and Mata Sundri, Guru Gobind Singh’s wife, both demonstrated wisdom, diplomacy, and leadership during times of upheaval.

Mata Jito

Mother of the four Sahibzadas, she contributed to the preparation of Amrit for the Khalsa, symbolizing purity and balance in life.

Other Notable Women

Bibi Roop Kaur, Mai Bhago, Phulan Rani, and others, alongside modern contributors, demonstrate leadership, courage, and service in both religious and social spheres.

Modern Contributions

Present-day gurdwaras actively encourage women to engage in Kirtan, scripture reading, Ardaas, meditation, social welfare, and education. Istri Sabhas provide platforms for women to exercise leadership, spiritual service, and community development.

Conclusion

Through both scriptural guidance and practical examples, the Sikh faith clearly illustrates the pivotal roles and functions of women in society. From theological equality to leadership and service, Sikh women have historically and continue to contribute meaningfully to spiritual and social life.