24 November is the day to remember that great and unprecedented sacrifice which changed the course of India’s history. It is the martyrdom day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who is known as the ‘Hind di Chadar’ (the shield of India). The sacrifice of the ninth Guru of the Sikhs was given not only for Sikhism, but for the protection of humanity as a whole and the right to fundamental religious freedom.
Why is Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day observed?
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day is observed every year on 24 November because on this day in 1675 AD, by the order of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, he was publicly executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
This day is not a celebration but an occasion for homage and self-reflection. It reminds Sikhs and all Indians:
Protection of religious freedom: It was the supreme sacrifice given to protect religion at a time when the Mughal ruler was forcing conversions.
Justice and courage: It demonstrates the Guru Ji’s steadfast courage and principles of standing for justice in the face of injustice and oppression.
Shield of humanity: The Guru Ji sacrificed his life not for his own religion but to protect the religion of Kashmiri Pandits. This sacrifice earned him the honorable title ‘Hind di Chadar’.
This day teaches us that the definition of religion is not limited to rituals, but lies in defending human rights and human dignity.
Since when and how is it observed?
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice took place in 1675, and since then the Sikh community has been observing this day with great reverence and detachment. This day comes every year on 24 November according to the calendar.
Ways of observing:
Akhand Path and Kirtan: In gurudwaras across the country—especially Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib (the site of martyrdom) and Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib (where his cremation was performed) in Delhi—continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib (Akhand Path) is organized. Shabad kirtan and religious congregations (diwans) are held where discourses are given on the life, teachings, and sacrifice of the Guru Ji.
Nagar Kirtan: In many places large religious processions (nagar kirtans) are taken out, in which the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a palanquin and the Guru Ji’s messages are spread.
Langar service: Langar (free community kitchen) service is run in gurudwaras, where everyone is fed without discrimination, reflecting the Guru Ji’s principle of ‘samadrishti’ (seeing everyone equally).
Discussions in schools and colleges: Special programs and discussions are organized in educational institutions to pass on the tale of the Guru Ji’s sacrifice to the next generation.
Historical reasons behind the sacrifice
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice took place in the 17th century when the Mughal empire was at its peak and Emperor Aurangzeb was ruling India. Aurangzeb followed a rigid religious policy whose main aim was to turn India into ‘Darul-Islam’ (land of Islam).
Aurangzeb’s repressive policies:
Forced conversions: Aurangzeb reimposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims and started a broad campaign of forced conversions. His subedar in Kashmir, Iftikhar Khan, was forcing Hindu Pandits to embrace Islam by force.
Destruction of temples: Large-scale demolition of Hindu temples occurred, creating fear and insecurity among the Hindu community.
The plea of the Kashmiri Pandits:
A group of Kashmiri Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, suffering from persecution, reached Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Anandpur Sahib with their last hope to save their lives and religion.
The Pandits narrated their plight—how they were being forced to accept Islam or face death. Guru Ji listened to their suffering and deliberated deeply.
‘Sheesh diya par sirr na diya’ — the Guru Ji’s resolve:
When Guru Ji’s son, Guru Gobind Rai (who later became Guru Gobind Singh), asked his father how this injustice could be prevented, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji said that to stop this oppression a great man’s sacrifice was needed.
Then young Gobind Rai said, “Who can be greater than you?”
Accepting his son’s reasoning, the Guru Ji told the Pandits: “You tell Aurangzeb that if he first converts Guru Tegh Bahadur to Islam, then we Hindus will voluntarily convert.”
Arrest and martyrdom:
This message from the Guru Ji was a direct challenge to Aurangzeb. He, along with three of his beloved disciples—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji—was arrested and brought to Delhi.
In prison, the Guru Ji was subjected to severe tortures to force him to accept Islam or to perform a miracle (karamat). The Guru Ji refused both.
When Aurangzeb realized that the Guru Ji would not bow, he ordered the brutal execution of his disciples. These horrific tortures could not intimidate the Guru Ji. Finally, on 24 November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s head was publicly severed in Chandni Chowk. He gave his head (sheesh) for his faith, but he did not give up his principle (sirr).
Legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and our duty
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice is one of the most significant events in Indian history. Its legacy is invaluable in many ways:
Hind di Chadar: He was given this title because he sacrificed his life to protect a religion (Hinduism) different from his own (Sikhism). It is the highest example of religious equality and secularism.
Symbol of strength: His sacrifice transformed the Sikh community into a fighting force. After his sacrifice, his son Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa order, whose purpose was to fight injustice and oppression.
Bani (writings): During his travels he composed 115 shabads focused on humanity, detachment, and love for God, which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Foundation of Anandpur Sahib: He founded the city of Anandpur Sahib, which later became an important center of Sikhism.
Inspiration for Dreamers Edu Hub:
The life and sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji teach us that the real purpose of education is not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop the courage, ethics, and sense of justice that enable us to bring change in society. With this inspiration, Dreamers Edu Hub is preparing its students not only academically but also as responsible citizens who refuse to bow before any form of injustice. We should make the Guru Ji’s message—‘bhay kaahu ko det nahi, nahi bhay maat aan’ (neither intimidate anyone nor be afraid of anyone)—the foundation of our lives.
The Guru Ji’s message is still relevant today: liberation from fear and standing against injustice is the true religious path.
Martyrdom day reminds us that whenever humanity is in peril, we must rise above personal interests and stand for justice, courage, and faith.
Conclusion: The sacrifice that makes us fearless
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day is not merely a remembrance of a historical event; it is a call to renew our commitment to human values and justice. This supreme sacrifice of the ‘Hind di Chadar’ teaches us that one’s religion, faith, or beliefs are not subjects for coercion and force.
Through his life he proved that spiritual courage always triumphs over bodily fear. Today, when religious intolerance and divisive forces are rising in the world, we must remember his immortal message—“neither intimidate anyone nor be afraid of anyone.”
This sacrifice teaches us that we must stand not only for ourselves but for all whose voices are being suppressed. That is true devotion.
It is an eternal truth that this legacy of fearlessness will never fade. The Guru Ji’s sacrifice teaches us that humanity is the greatest religion, and walking the path of truth and justice is true worship.
This is the flame that institutions like Dreamers Edu Hub try to kindle in every student’s heart through education. Let us together, on this 24 November, resolve to extinguish discrimination and keep the flame of love and courage burning always.
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