Chandigarh, August 6 – Haryana Government will organize a grand state-level event in Kurukshetra on November 25 to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The event will witness participation of lakhs of devotees. This program will not only serve as an occasion to pay tribute, but also as a platform to spread the message of Shi Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice, protection of religion and his commitment to humanity.
To ensure the event is historic, dignified and inclusive, the state government has constituted a high-level committee comprising representatives from the Sikh community, Sant Samaj and various religious organizations. A review meeting of this committee was held in Panchkula on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, where the overall preparation of the program was discussed in detail. Intellectuals and respected figures from the Sikh community also shared their valuable suggestions.
*Four Shobha Yatras to begin across the State*
Providing further details, the Chief Minister informed that four ‘Shobha Yatras’ will be carried out from different regions of the state to disseminate the life, teachings and legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji among the people.
The first Yatra will begin from Dabwali and pass through Ratia, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Dhamtan Sahib, and Kaithal before culminating in Kurukshetra. The second Yatra will start from Lohgarh, traveling through Sadhaura, Bilaspur, Jagadhri, Yamunanagar, Radaur, and Ladwa. The third Yatra will start from Faridabad, proceeding via Gurugram, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, and Karnal. The fourth Yatra will commence from Kalka passing through Pinjore, Panchkula, Ambala, and Shahabad en route to Kurukshetra.
The Chief Minister further informed that in addition to these Yatras, a month-long series of events dedicated to the revered Guru will be organized throughout Haryana. These include seminars, quiz contests, painting and essay writing competitions, symposiums for school and college students, to engage the youth and instill in them the values embodied by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Speaking on the Guru’s legacy, the Chief Minister said that the unparalleled sacrifice made by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the protection of religion and humanity holds a unique and revered place in world history. Such an example of courage and selflessness is rarely found anywhere across the globe, he added.
He said that it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure that younger generations are made aware of the inspiring legacy of the Sikh Gurus. By learning about the glorious past, the youth will be motivated to contribute meaningfully to nation-building, he said.
The Sikh Gurus have always stood as guardians of truth, justice, and righteousness, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, society, and faith. Their lives are a golden chapter in our history, and it is our duty to preserve, promote, and pass on their teachings to future generations, the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister said that the Guru Maryada will be strictly observed during the organization of the state-level program. To ensure this, specialized committees have been constituted, comprising eminent scholars, religious leaders from the Sikh community and senior administrative officers. He appealed to intellectuals, Sikh institutions, and organizations to actively participate and extend their support to ensure the success of these events.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also released a special documentary based on the life and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and launched a dedicated Facebook page. Through this page, citizens from Haryana, across the country, and even abroad can share their suggestions and ideas related to the upcoming state-level program.
The Chief Minister said that this event is a sacred initiative by the state government to preserve and pass on the cultural, historical, and spiritual legacy of the Sikh Gurus to future generations.
*Gratitude to Chief Minister for Honoring the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at the State Level – Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda*
Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda, President of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, welcomed the decision to organize a state-level event on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for this historic and commendable step.
He said that the Haryana Government has been consistently taking welfare-oriented steps for the Sikh community and making remarkable efforts to bring Sikh history closer to the people. This initiative not only fills the Sikh community with pride but also serves as an important bridge to connect future generations with their spiritual and cultural roots.
He assured that the entire Sikh community, including the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, would extend full support to ensure the grand success of the program scheduled for November 25.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Krishan Middha, MLA Sh Bhagwan Das Kabirpanthi, former Minister Sh Manish Grover and representatives of several Sikh organizations and institutions from across the state.
