SGPC Hosts Events to Honor Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) organized a series of events on March 26, 2024, to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib. This occasion coincided with a special Assembly session held by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, which also aimed to honor the legacy of the revered Sikh leader.

Key figures, including Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and various high priests, addressed the attendees, encouraging Sikh youth to embrace “Amrit Sanchar,” the Sikh initiation ceremony. The significance of Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib stems from its historical connection, as it was the site where the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur was cremated after being brought back from Delhi by Bhai Jaita.

To engage the community, the SGPC arranged competitions that included Dhadi Vaar, Gurbani Kirtan, and declamation contests for students. These activities were designed to foster a sense of unity and cultural pride among participants. The evening program featured performances by Bhai Jagtar Singh Khalsa and Hazoori Ragis from Darbar Sahib, who sang devotional hymns, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the event.

Despite the SGPC’s parallel functions, notable leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), including Sukhbir Badal, did not visit Anandpur Sahib during the time of reporting. This absence adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dynamics within Punjab’s political landscape.

The SGPC’s commitment to honoring Guru Tegh Bahadur’s memory through these events reflects its role in preserving Sikh traditions and engaging the community. As various programs continue, the organization aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of Sikh values among younger generations. The dual observance of this significant day by both the SGPC and the AAP government underscores the importance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy in contemporary Sikh identity.