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- As devotees gather in vast numbers to remember Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom, the commemoration in Nanded stands as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, courage and universal human rights that form the cornerstone of the Sikh tradition.
- Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, bringing an end to the lineage of human Gurus and establishing the sacred scripture as the permanent spiritual guide.
- The Mohyal Brahmins, often referred to as warrior Brahmins, historically served as soldiers and developed close bonds with the Sikh faith, with numerous families embracing Sikhism and continuing the tradition of raising their eldest son as a Sikh.
Nanded has come alive with devotion and colour as a two-day observance marking the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur began on Saturday, drawing massive crowds and resonating with deep spiritual and historical significance. Nearly one million devotees are expected to take part in the commemorative programme, reflecting the enduring reverence for the ninth Sikh Guru and his timeless message of courage, conscience and sacrifice.
The commemoration, titled “Hind Di Chadar,” opened with the ceremonial installation of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and a grand nagar kirtan that proceeded from Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five most sacred temporal seats. The atmosphere in the city was marked by devotional singing, processions and a palpable sense of unity among participants.
Senior national and state leaders are also slated to attend the event. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan are expected to join the gathering on Sunday, according to an announcement by the Maharashtra government.
This observance is notable not only for its scale but also for its inclusive character. Members of nine historically significant communities with longstanding associations with Punjab and the Sikh tradition are participating, highlighting the diverse social fabric that has supported and shaped Sikh history over centuries. Among those represented are the Sikligars, Banjaras, Mohyals, Valmikis, Lubanas, Sindhis and Udasis.
Many of these communities share unique and deeply rooted links with Sikhism. The Sikligars are renowned as traditional weapon-makers who crafted arms for the Khalsa during the era of the Sikh Gurus. The Lubana Banjara community, traditionally engaged in trade and finance, played an important role in supporting and safeguarding Sikh institutions. The Mohyal Brahmins, often referred to as warrior Brahmins, historically served as soldiers and developed close bonds with the Sikh faith, with numerous families embracing Sikhism and continuing the tradition of raising their eldest son as a Sikh.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, the Maharashtra government constituted 26 dedicated committees at the state level. Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Madhuri Misal said devotees have arrived from across India and abroad to pay homage to Guru Teg Bahadur, whose execution by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb stands as a defining symbol of resistance against religious persecution.
“Guru Teg Bahadur chose death over surrendering his beliefs. His sacrifice was not only for Sikhs but for the protection of the freedom of conscience of all people. That message remains profoundly relevant today,” Misal said.
Nanded’s association with Sikh history adds further weight to the occasion. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, spent his final days and passed away in 1708 after sustaining injuries from an attack orchestrated by the Mughal authorities. Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, bringing an end to the lineage of human Gurus and establishing the sacred scripture as the permanent spiritual guide.
As devotees gather in vast numbers to remember Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom, the commemoration in Nanded stands as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, courage and universal human rights that form the cornerstone of the Sikh tradition.
