Maharashtra Celebrates 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur

The Government of Maharashtra commemorated the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji on October 26, 2025, in a significant event held at Yogi Hall in Dadar, Mumbai. The celebration was presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, the Head of Damdami Taksal and President of the Sant Samaj.

During the ceremony, renowned singer Dr. Satinder Sartaaj performed a poignant song titled “Hind Di Chadar,” which pays tribute to the life and sacrifice of Guru Sahib. This event attracted a large congregation, reflecting the profound respect for Guru Tegh Bahadur within the community.

Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa expressed his gratitude to those gathered and commended Chief Minister Fadnavis and the Maharashtra Government for their commitment to honoring Guru Sahib’s legacy. He emphasized that the event symbolizes a collective spiritual ethos of India, showcasing values of religious tolerance and mutual respect. “Our Gurus did not belong to one faith alone,” he stated. “They stood as protectors of all humanity — and this message holds even greater significance today.”

In his address, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s role as a defender of all Indian faiths, stating he is revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’ — the Shield of India. He referenced the historical context of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom, noting, “When Emperor Aurangzeb forced Kashmiri Pandits to convert to Islam, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji offered his head to defend their right to freedom of religion.” This act of sacrifice, he remarked, challenged tyranny and inspired the formation of the Khalsa Panth.

Fadnavis underscored the importance of remembering history, warning that “a society that forgets its history condemns its future to darkness.” He attributed the current freedom and dignity of worship in India to the sacrifices made by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Additionally, he acknowledged the ongoing presence of divisive forces in society and affirmed that Guru Sahib’s teachings continue to promote unity across communities, including Sikhs, Sindhis, Lubanas, Sikligars, Banjaras, and Mohyals.

The Chief Minister further addressed the significance of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which embodies universal inclusion through its incorporation of hymns from various saints, including Sant Namdev Ji and Bhagat Ravidas Ji Maharaj. He assured attendees that the Maharashtra Government is dedicated to preserving and promoting this shared cultural heritage for future generations.

As part of the commemoration, a State-Level Workshop on “Hind Di Chadar – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji 350th Martyrdom Anniversary” was inaugurated. A dedicated commemorative website and a historical publication detailing Guru Sahib’s life and sacrifices were also launched.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Babu Singh Maharaj Rathore, Minister Girish Mahajan, Secretary of the Minority Department Rucheś Jaiwanshi, and members of the Sikh Coordination Committee, among others.

This event not only marked a significant milestone for the Sikh community but also celebrated the enduring spirit of unity and inclusiveness that defines India’s rich cultural tapestry.