AI Generated Summary
- As Punjab and the wider Sikh community observe this landmark anniversary, the life of Guru Teg Bahadur continues to inspire generations — not only as a tale of sacrifice but as a beacon of faith, courage, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
- The final leg of the commemoration, from November 23 to 25, will be hosted at Anandpur Sahib and will feature a Sarv Dharm Sammelan (interfaith conference), exhibitions, and a drone show illustrating key moments from the Guru’s life.
- On November 18, a special kirtan darbar will take place in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, followed by a nagar kirtan — a devotional procession — from Srinagar to Anandpur Sahib, the holy city where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth.
Punjab has begun a month-long series of commemorative events to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru revered across faiths for his message of courage, compassion, and religious freedom.
The solemn observances opened with ministers and Members of Parliament paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk — the historic site where Guru Teg Bahadur was executed on November 11, 1675, on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Guru, remembered as “Hind Di Chadar” (Shield of India), was beheaded for defending the right to religious liberty. The place of his cremation, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, stands as another enduring monument to his sacrifice.
A Month of Reflection and Reverence
According to the state government, the tribute will unfold through a series of cultural and spiritual events across Punjab throughout November. The programme includes light-and-sound shows in every district from November 1 to 18, narrating the Guru’s life, teachings, and legacy of selfless sacrifice.
On November 18, a special kirtan darbar will take place in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, followed by a nagar kirtan — a devotional procession — from Srinagar to Anandpur Sahib, the holy city where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth. The procession will see participation from the Kashmiri Pandit community, in memory of their ancestors who had sought the Guru’s protection centuries ago.
Two more nagar kirtans will set off from Talwandi Sabo’s Takht Damdama Sahib and Gurdaspur on November 20, with all three converging at Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The final leg of the commemoration, from November 23 to 25, will be hosted at Anandpur Sahib and will feature a Sarv Dharm Sammelan (interfaith conference), exhibitions, and a drone show illustrating key moments from the Guru’s life.
A Universal Message of Unity
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab leaders described Guru Teg Bahadur’s life as a timeless symbol of unity and tolerance. “He laid down his life to uphold human rights and religious freedom — a sacrifice unmatched in world history,” a government statement read. The ministers urged people to embody his message of love, coexistence, and compassion in everyday life.
A special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will be held at Anandpur Sahib on November 24 to honour the Guru’s spiritual and cultural legacy. The commemoration will conclude with state-wide blood donation camps and a tree plantation drive on November 25, aimed at spreading the Guru’s message of service and harmony with nature.
As Punjab and the wider Sikh community observe this landmark anniversary, the life of Guru Teg Bahadur continues to inspire generations — not only as a tale of sacrifice but as a beacon of faith, courage, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
