Shaheedi Diwas, also known as Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed annually on November 24 as people across India commemorate the ninth of the ten Sikh gurus. The day marks the death anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur who was a staunch supporter of religious freedom.
On this day in 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly executed in Chandni Chowk of Delhi on the orders of the then Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, for opposing the policy of religious persecution
that was in effect at the time.
The sites of his execution and cremation were later turned into Sikh holy places- Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib & Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib.
His followers all over the world remember the sacrifice he made for human values and religious freedom.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was a poet, a thinker and a warrior, carried Guru Nanak's and other Sikh Gurus' message of sanctity forward. He travelled across the Indian subcontinent
to spread Sikhism's message.
Also Read: Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: Know History, Significance, and All About the Auspicious Day!
The Sikh Guru also established a number of preaching centres where people could pray and share their thoughts.
In Punjab, Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom is observed as a restricted holiday.
Some facts about Guru Tegh Bahadur:
- He was the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. His reign as Guru lasted from 1665 until his death in 1675.
- Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, was his son.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur has 115 hymns in the holy book Guru Granth Sahib.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered for his selfless service to the people, the Sikh Guru is remembered.
- The Sikh Guru had established community kitchens (langar) for the locals.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur founded the holy city of Anandpur Sahib.
- One of the All India hockey tournaments has been named the "All India Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup" in his honour.
President Ram Nath Kovind pays tribute to Guru Tegh Badahur, calling him a "symbol of struggle and sacrifice against injustice".