Thousands Gather to Honor Guru Tegh Bahadur's Supreme Sacrifice
The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has drawn massive crowds of devotees and community leaders to prominent Sikh holy sites across Punjab. Major gatherings occurred at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, where faithful followers paid their respects to the ninth Sikh Guru's extraordinary sacrifice against religious persecution.
Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, delivered a powerful address during the centenary commemoration at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, praising the Guru's stand against tyranny while delivering sharp criticism of contemporary governments.
Governments Accused of Betraying Guru's Legacy
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj drew direct parallels between historical oppression and current policies, stating that while governments officially commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, they simultaneously implement measures that suppress Sikh rights. "Aurangzeb's oppression was resisted by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Today, governments commemorate his martyrdom while continuing policies that suppress Sikh rights," the Jathedar declared during his emotionally charged speech.
The religious leader specifically questioned the Punjab government's special assembly session held at Anandpur Sahib, characterizing it as "symbolic and hollow" because it failed to include a resolution demanding the release of Sikh political prisoners known as Bandi Singhs. These individuals have reportedly completed their prison sentences but remain incarcerated.
Demand for Sikh Prisoners' Release Intensifies
Gargajj posed a challenging question to authorities: "If the assassins of Rajiv Gandhi can walk free, why not Sikh prisoners?" He highlighted the case of Professor Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, whose release has been stalled due to the Delhi government's refusal to approve it.
The Jathedar pressed the Punjab government to clarify its position, demanding to know whether it stands with Punjab or with Delhi in this crucial matter. He urged state leadership to draw inspiration from Guru Tegh Bahadur's enduring legacy, warning that "no regime can sustain itself by trampling on others' rights."
Gargajj emphasized that the special assembly session would have carried genuine significance only if it had directly addressed pressing Sikh issues, particularly the release of Bandi Singhs who have served their complete sentences.
Community Celebrates Guru's Teachings Through Culture
The commemorative event featured rich cultural expressions of Sikh tradition, including Gurbani recitals, spiritual poetry, and historical ballads performed by Sikh students. These artistic presentations created a powerful connection between the congregation and Guru Tegh Bahadur's historical narrative, bringing his teachings to life for contemporary audiences.
Giani Tek Singh Dhanoula, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, also addressed the gathering, calling upon the community to uphold the Guru's fundamental principles of faith, justice, and universal brotherhood. His message reinforced the timeless relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice in today's social and political context.
The massive turnout at multiple sacred sites demonstrated the continuing deep reverence for Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose martyrdom anniversary continues to inspire and mobilize the Sikh community three and a half centuries after his supreme sacrifice.
