Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann Pay Tribute To Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji On 350th Martyrdom Anniversary

The spiritual heart of the Sikh community resonated with devotion and reverence on Saturday as the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Hind Di Chadar, was commemorated with solemnity and grandeur. The series of events marking this sacred milestone began at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, New Delhi - the historic site where the ninth Sikh Guru made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the principles of faith, freedom, and humanity. All devotees then went to Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib.

Leading the commemoration were Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and several senior ministers and lawmakers of Punjab. Together, they joined thousands of devotees in paying homage to Guru Sahib, whose message of religious tolerance and human rights continues to guide generations.

Tributes and Sacred Procession

In a moving gesture of humility, the ministers, led by Chief Minister Mann, walked barefoot from the Red Fort to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, retracing the path associated with Guru Sahib's martyrdom. Along with the Sikh Sangat, they offered Ardas (prayer) and floral tributes at the sacred sites of Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, who were martyred alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for defending freedom of faith.

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harjot Singh Bains, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Barinder Kumar Goyal, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Dr. Balbir Singh, along with MPs Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal and Vikramjit Singh Sahni, and Advisor Deepak Bali, participated in the ceremony.

Carrying Forward the Guru's Message

Speaking on the occasion, the ministers said Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's life epitomized courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. "The Guru sacrificed his life to uphold the religious rights of others - a lesson in universal humanity that remains unparalleled," they said, urging citizens to embrace Guru Sahib's ideals of secularism, love, and peaceful coexistence.

The leaders noted that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, the Punjab Government has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the 350th martyrdom anniversary is celebrated in a truly historic and inclusive manner.

Commemorative Events Across States

The month-long observance will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, where major religious and cultural programs will take place.
Between November 1 and 18, Light and Sound Shows depicting the life and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji will be held across all districts of Punjab. Kirtan Darbars (devotional gatherings) will also be organized in towns visited by the Guru, spreading his message of peace, unity, and humanity.

A special Kirtan Darbar will take place in Srinagar on November 18, followed by a Nagar Kirtan the next day that will include participation from Kashmiri Pandits. The sacred procession will reach Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22, where three other Nagar Kirtans - starting from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur - will converge.

Grand Celebrations at Anandpur Sahib

The concluding ceremonies at Anandpur Sahib will feature a Sarv-Dharm Sammelan (Interfaith Conference) symbolizing Guru Sahib's message of harmony and mutual respect. The sacred city will host a special exhibition and drone show illuminating key moments from the Guru's life.
On November 24, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha will be held at Anandpur Sahib to honor the Guru's legacy, while November 25 will see statewide blood donation camps and a mass plantation drive under the theme "Sarbat da Bhala Ikkatarta" (Unity for the Welfare of All).

Spiritual leaders from across the world have sent blessings and messages of unity to mark this momentous occasion. The ministers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to commemorate this historic anniversary under AAP's leadership, calling it a privilege for the Punjab Government to uphold the Guru's immortal message of peace and sacrifice.