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- Despite the concerns raised by traders, the focus in Fatehgarh Sahib remains on remembrance and devotion, as the town pays homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas during the Shaheedi Sabha.
- The Shaheedi Sabha is held every year to honour the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who were martyred at a young age and bricked alive for refusing to abandon their faith.
- Responding to the allegations, the manager of Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib said the gurdwara management was not involved in the dispute, maintaining that the matter lay strictly between the contractor and the vendors.
Fatehgarh Sahib has entered a period of quiet reverence with the start of the annual three-day Shaheedi Sabha on Thursday, commemorating one of the most poignant chapters in Sikh history. To preserve the solemn religious atmosphere of the observance, the district administration has imposed a temporary ban on gambling, the sale of liquor and all entertainment events until December 27.
The Shaheedi Sabha is held every year to honour the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who were martyred at a young age and bricked alive for refusing to abandon their faith. Thousands of devotees from across Punjab and neighbouring states are expected to visit the historic town during the three days.
Deputy Commissioner Sona Thind said the restrictions were put in place to ensure that the commemoration remains rooted in religious devotion and reflection. As part of the arrangements, the administration has organised a light-and-sound show to depict the historical events associated with the martyrdom. Free shelter homes and medical facilities have also been established to cater to pilgrims.
To ease movement and avoid congestion, the district has deployed an extensive transport plan. Around 300 shuttle buses and 200 e-rickshaws are providing free travel to devotees between key points and the gurdwaras. In addition, 20 free parking lots have been created on the outskirts of the town.
Security has been significantly tightened. Senior Superintendent of Police Shubham Aggarwal said 3,500 police personnel have been deployed across Fatehgarh Sahib, manning 54 check-posts. CCTV cameras have also been installed at sensitive locations to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the event.
Amid the preparations, some controversy has surfaced. A number of vendors have alleged that they were charged exorbitant fees by the contractor responsible for allotting stalls near the two historic gurdwaras. The contract, awarded by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, was reportedly finalised for ₹3.5 crore.
Responding to the allegations, the manager of Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib said the gurdwara management was not involved in the dispute, maintaining that the matter lay strictly between the contractor and the vendors.
Despite the concerns raised by traders, the focus in Fatehgarh Sahib remains on remembrance and devotion, as the town pays homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas during the Shaheedi Sabha.
