Bandi Chhor Divas, meaning "Day of Liberation" or "Prisoner Release Day," commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from Gwalior Fort in 1619 . The Guru refused to leave unless the 52 imprisoned princes were freed alongside him; when the emperor allowed only those who could hold onto his robe to leave, the Guru had a special long robe made with 52 tassels so that all could cling to it and walk free together . The day is celebrated with the lighting of diyas at homes and gurdwaras, processions, and fireworks, often coinciding with Diwali .