350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru

Hoshiarpur/ Daljeet Ajnoha/Nov.21 : The Punjab government is observing the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Hind Di Chadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, along with Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, with deep reverence. As part of this commemoration, four grand Nagar Kirtans have been organized across the state. One of these processions, which began from Srinagar, reached Mukerian in the Hoshiarpur district on Friday afternoon after passing through Pathankot. The Nagar Kirtan was accorded a guard of honour and welcomed with floral showers.After passing through Dasuya and Garhdiwala, the religious procession made an overnight halt at Gurdwara Sri Rampur Khera. On November 22, it will move forward after another guard of honour towards Sri Anandpur Sahib via Bhunga, Hariyana, Hoshiarpur, Chabbewal, Mahilpur, and Garhshankar.Dignitaries Participate in the ProcessionMember of Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal joined the devotees in welcoming the Nagar Kirtan at Mukerian and paid obeisance at the Guru’s feet. Accompanying him were Halka In-charge Prof. G.S. Multani, Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain, Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Malik, Chairman of Improvement Trust Gurvinder Singh Pabla, and other administrative officials, along with hundreds of devotees from the region.Dr. Chabbewal highlighted that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice stands as an unparalleled beacon in world history. “The Ninth Guru sacrificed his life in Delhi to uphold human rights and religious freedom,” he said. “He is a true symbol of secularism, unity, and universal brotherhood. His life and teachings are a guiding light for all of humanity.”He further added that the purpose of these events is to spread awareness about the Guru’s philosophy, his martyrdom, and his timeless message of compassion and righteousness. “It was Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji who stood up for the freedom of faith when Kashmiri Pandits sought his help in 1675. Despite immense pressure from the rulers of the time, he chose martyrdom over submission, inspiring the world to uphold truth and justice,” Dr. Chabbewal said.Historic Legislative Session Outside ChandigarhDr. Chabbewal also announced that, for the first time in history, a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will be held outside Chandigarh to honour the Guru’s unparalleled sacrifice. “This special session is a collective tribute by humanity to the noble ideals of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji,” he said.Tribute by Legislators and OfficialsMLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill stated that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered worldwide as the first martyr for human rights, whose supreme sacrifice continues to inspire future generations with the message of peace, compassion, and religious freedom. He noted that the Punjab government is making every effort to ensure that each devotee experiences a harmonious blend of spirituality and efficient management during the celebrations.MLA Karamvir Singh Ghumman informed that the first Nagar Kirtan commenced from Srinagar on November 19 and will reach Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 via Jammu and Pathankot. The second procession began from Gurdaspur on November 20 and will travel through Batala, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Phagwara, and Nawanshahr. The third Nagar Kirtan is proceeding from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib through Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala, and Mohali.At Sri Anandpur Sahib, world-class events are scheduled for November 23, 24, and 25, including an Interfaith Conference, evening Kirtan Darbars, torch-lit illumination of the town, a drone show, and a special congregation dedicated to universal welfare.Warm Reception Across HoshiarpurProf. G.S. Multani, Halka In-charge of Mukerian, said, “We are fortunate to witness the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in our lifetime. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government is commemorating this day with great devotion and scale. All devotees are encouraged to participate with their families.”Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Malik expressed that the district administration and residents welcomed the Nagar Kirtan in Hoshiarpur with devotion and enthusiasm. Punjab Police contingent presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour as a mark of respect to the procession.On this occasion, the Panj Pyare and several distinguished personalities were also honoured. Civil and police officials, representatives of religious bodies, and thousands of devotees were present to pay their respects.