350th Shaheedi Shatabdi of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Nagar Kirtan from Gurdwara Shri Baru Sahib to Gurdwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib, Anand pur Sahib

ਧਰਮ ਹੇਤ ਸਾਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਆ ॥

ਸੀਸੁ ਦੀਆ ਪਰੁ ਸਿਰਰੁ ਨ ਦੀਆ ॥

Dharam Haeth Saka Jin Kiya,

Seesh Diya Par Sir Na Diya

For the sake of Dharma, Guru Sahib sacrificed himself.

Gave his head but not his principles.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the 9th Guru Nanak (9th Sikh Guru Sahib), is revered as “Hind Di Chadar”—the Shield of India. Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice in 1675 remains one of humanity’s greatest acts of courage, compassion and commitment to protecting the rights of others.

In 1675, during the oppressive rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the Kashmiri Pandit community faced severe religious persecution and the threat of forced conversion. With no refuge left, they turned to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at Anandpur Sahib, seeking protection and guidance.

Recognising the severity of their suffering, Guru Sahib made a historic decision that changed the course of India’s spiritual and human rights landscape. Guru Sahib declared that if the Mughal emperor could convert him, the spiritual guide of millions, then the entire community would accept conversion. If not, the tyranny must stop.

This powerful stand was not for the Kashmiri Pandits alone; it was for the universal right of every human being to practise their faith freely.

Guru Sahib, along with three devoted Sikhs - Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji, left from Anandpur Sahib and offered themselves for arrest at Agra, after which they were taken to Delhi. The beloved Sikhs faced severe torture but remained unshaken in their faith.

In November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji attained martyrdom in Chandni Chowk, giving His life so that others could follow their faith with freedom and dignity.

After the martyrdom, the Sacred Sheesh (holy head) of Guru Sahib was carried from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jaita Ji (later Bhai Jiwan Singh Ji). Wherever Bhai Sahab Ji stopped on the way, Gurdwaras, known as Gurdwara Sri Seesh Ganj Sahib , stand today in remembrance. The Sacred Sheesh was cremated at Anandpur Sahib in the presence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The Sacred body of Guru Sahib was cremated by Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara Ji, who set fire to his own house to perform the cremation safely.

Witnessing this profound injustice, Guru Gobind Singh Ji urged the Sikhs to prepare themselves, a message that later led to the creation of the Khalsa Panth, a disciplined spiritual force to stand against oppression and protect righteousness.

This unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Sahib marked a turning point in Indian history:

* It defended freedom of belief.

* It challenged religious persecution.

* It established the Sikh community as protectors of human rights.

Three and a half centuries later, Guru Sahib’s message remains eternal - Stand for truth. Protect the oppressed. Uphold human dignity at all costs.