Why Sikhs celebrate Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas)
This was during the time of Guru Hargobind Ji, the 6th Sikh Guru and in India the Sikhs were being starting to be persecuted. Guru Hargobind knew that it time to prepare an army of saint-soldiers for battle for the defense of the all his Sikhs and of the Dharma. He didn't want to attack anyone, but his Sikhs needed to be able to defend themselves and others if war was declared on them. Guru Hargobind was a beautiful saint and the Sikhs loved him very much. They completely trusted him, saying, "Guru Ji, we are at your feet, you are the True emperor, you are the True King."
Bibi Shanti was a devoted Sikh of Guru Hargobind ji. She taught her son, Pulla, that if he believed strongly, then surely the Guru would come and visit them. One glorious day Guru Hargobind and some Sikhs really did come and visit. Their humble prayers were answered. The Guru had them make langar and all the villagers experienced a miracle they wouldn't soon forget.
Baba Atal was the son of Guru Hargobind. He was very wise for his age, he was adventurous and loved to play games and have fun. One of his play-mates, Mohan, was bitten by a cobra in the night. When Babal Atal came to play with his friend in the morning he learned that Mohan had died. All he wanted was to continue playing with his friend so he said, "Get up Mohan, let's go play." You will never guess what happened next.
Guru Hargobind announced to his Sikhs that he wanted them to come in his presence and recite Jap Ji Sahib. When Sikhs would come and recite, he could tell how well they understood the teachings. One man did such a wonderful Japji that Guru Hargobind knew of no other offering he could give. So the Guru was about the offer the throne Baba Nanak to him...
The emperor Jahangir had heard rumors of Guru Hargobind and decided to pay him a visit. He found the Guru to be wise, friendly and brave. Once they were hunting together and a tiger jumped out to attack the emperor. All of his royal soldiers were afraid and didn't do anything. The Guru himself got off his horse and cut the tiger in half, saving the emperors life.
Bidhi Chand used to be a thief before he met Guru Hargobind. The Emperor, had intercepted two beautiful horses named Dilbagh and Gulbagh that were going to be given to the Guru. Bidhi Chand used his skills one more time to steal the Guru's horses back from the emperor and unite them with the Guru.
Mata Ganga who was the wife of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, could not have a baby, so she went to ask Bhai Budha for this blessing. After rejecting her once, Bhai Budha accepted her offering. As he ate he crushed an onion with his fist, he said, "Your son will be a master of heaven and earth. He will crush enemies like I crushed this onion."
