CHANDIGARH, Nov 10 — Marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Punjab has dedicated the entire month of November to remembrance and service under the banner of Shaheedi Smaran Maah (Martyrdom Remembrance Month).
For the first time, month-long events have been organised across the state at the government level, honouring the ninth Sikh Guru’s sacrifice for the protection of faith, humanity, and the oppressed.
Since November 1, daily morning and evening kirtan, ardas, and katha have been held in gurdwaras across all districts. According to officials, over 12 lakh devotees have participated so far. Major cities including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib are hosting daily Shaheedi Kirtan Darbars, drawing devotees from Punjab and beyond.
Nagar-kirtans are also being taken out in towns and cities, with authorities deploying additional police, home guard, and medical teams for security and traffic regulation throughout the month.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom “remains the highest example of religious freedom.” He noted that the objective of the commemorations was to ensure Guru Sahib’s teachings “go beyond tribute and inspire action through seva and humanity.”
To translate this spirit into practice, the state government has set up over 500 seva camps across Punjab. The Health Department has established 220 medical camps, where about 1.4 lakh people have received free checkups and medicines.
The Education Department has launched a “Moral Education Drive,” involving over 10 lakh students from 20,000 schools and colleges in essays, poetry, and cultural activities. A government-produced digital documentary series on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and teachings has also been viewed by lakhs online.
As part of today’s special observances, large congregations were held in Amritsar and Sri Anandpur Sahib. District administrations have set up control rooms to ensure smooth movement and safety of devotees.
“Religion does not mean hatred—it means brotherhood, courage, and humanity,” said Mann. “Our aim is that every child in Punjab understands this message.”
