Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason than Hindus and Jains. Sikhs light candles to celebrate the return of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, our Sixth Guru. In 1619, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir imprisoned Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji for political reasons. The Emperor later ordered their release, but Guru Sahib Ji refused to leave the prison unless the other 52 Hindu political prisoners were also freed. The emperor agreed to release only those who could hold onto Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s coat tail. Therefore, Guru Sahib Ji had a unique coat made with 52 tassels. Guru Sahib Ji was able to free all the political prisoners in this manner. Bandi means imprisoned, Chhorr means to release, and Diwas means the day. So, the day of freedom, known as Bandi Chhorr Diwas falls on the same day as Diwali.