The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Punjab Government organised a grand Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib in Delhi on Saturday to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. The solemn event was attended by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, ministers from the Punjab Cabinet, and several distinguished guests.
The AAP Chief listened to the Kirtan with deep reverence and later wrote that it was a blessing to bow at the feet of Guru Sahib on this sacred occasion. “Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice will continue to inspire humanity to uphold truth, righteousness, and compassion for centuries,” he said.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal recalled the supreme sacrifice of Guru Sri Teg Bahadur Ji, stating, “In the entire history of humanity, I believe there is no parallel to the ‘shahadat’ (martyrdom) of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. The kind of sacrifice he made continues to inspire all of humanity, reminding us that this life should be devoted in the service of others.”
Arvind Kejriwal said, “Today, we have gathered to commemorate three and a half centuries of Guru Ji’s supreme sacrifice. They’re also known as the ‘Hind Ki Chadar’. At that time, Kashmiri Pandits came to Guru Ji and shared how the Mughal ruler of that era was attacking their faith and forcing conversions. To protect them, Guru Ji sacrificed everything and made the supreme sacrifice of his life.”
Announcing a series of state-led programmes, he shared, “In honour of his martyrdom, to pay tribute to him and bow before his sacrifice, the Punjab Government is organising several events across various regions and sectors over the next month. The month-long series of programmes is being inaugurated here today. On this occasion, I invite the people of Delhi, of our entire nation, and of the world to participate in these events in Punjab in large numbers. Let us all take inspiration from the sacrifice of Guru Ji Maharaj, honour his martyrdom, and bow before him. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”
After the visit, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took to X and wrote, “On the occasion of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, I attended the sacred Kirtan Darbar organised at Gurudwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib and prostrated in devotion at Guru Ji’s feet to seek blessings. His supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire us for centuries to stand for truth, dharma, and humanity.”
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann stated, “Today, at the historic Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib, the main event commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Sri Teg Bahadur Ji has begun. From 25 October to 25 November, the Punjab government will hold events at all those places where Guru Sahib’s footsteps once graced. During this time, kirtan will be held, schools will teach about Guru Sahib’s martyrdom as part of their syllabus, and those villages where Guru Sahib had visited have already been contacted, with budgets released for their development.”
Referring to Delhi’s spiritual significance, Bhagwant Mann said, “This congregation is taking place with the blessings of the sangat in Delhi, as it was here that Lakhi Shah Banjara gave refuge to Guru Sahib in his home. Later, during stormy nights, Bhai Jaita Ji carried Guru Sahib’s sacred head to Sri Anandpur Sahib. Paying tribute to Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji, I say that the martyrdom of Guru Sri Teg Bahadur Ji was not only for Sikhs but for humanity and human rights. There is no other example like it in history.”
He added, “The Punjab government will organise programmes across Srinagar, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and other locations where Guru Sahib had visited. On 25 November, a grand ceremony will be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib—the city founded by Guru Ji themselves. There will be kirtan, and great saints like Baba Balbir Singh Ji will be present. A magnificent museum has been built at Anandpur Sahib to depict the journey of Bhai Jaita Ji carrying Guru Sahib’s head and presenting it to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.”
Emphasising Sikhism’s message of equality, Bhagwant Mann said, “Sikhism is the world’s youngest and most vibrant faith, one that teaches generosity and paves the way for others. Nishan Sahib has always represented help for anyone in need. In those days if anyone saw Nishan Sahib’s they knew food and shelter were around. There is no discrimination in Sikhism; the Almighty has created everyone equal. I thank the sangat and Arvind Kejriwal for joining the congregation. After 25 November, another event will be held at Chandni Chowk, where Guru Sahib attained martyrdom.”
He further said, “Budgets have been allocated for roads and basic infrastructure at places associated with Guru Sahib. A separate budget has been kept for the 350th martyrdom anniversary, and a tent city is being built in Sri Anandpur Sahib. Invitations have been sent to all Chief Ministers across the country, and an appointment has been sought with the Honourable President on Monday.”
Speaking about the spiritual and historical legacy, Bhagwant Mann added, “The Sikh community across the world has earned respect through hard work and divine grace. I say that the sacrifice and courage of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji are unmatched. Bhai Mati Das Ji was sawn alive, Bhai Sati Das was boiled, yet Guru Sahib sacrificed himself for love of God and humanity. No one goes to light a lamp at Aurangzeb’s tomb, but at Anandpur Sahib—the Guru’s city—devotees never stop arriving. That is the difference.”
Reflecting on the spiritual peace of the event, Bhagwant Mann said, “Listening to the kirtan and having darshan at this holy place brings peace and calm to the soul. For the first time, Guru Sahib was also honoured in Parliament. His sacrifice was not for personal gain but for humanity. I urge the sangat to visit Anandpur Sahib from Delhi, seek blessings, and follow Guru Sahib’s path. Let us leave behind social evils and conflicts, and dedicate ourselves to divine service.”
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “On the occasion of Guru Sri Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s 350th Shaheedi Diwas, the Punjab government will organise a series of grand programmes across Delhi and Punjab for an entire month. The celebrations began on Saturday in Delhi. Guru Sri Teg Bahadur Ji attained martyrdom in Delhi. For the protection of Hindus, especially Kashmiri Pandits and the Hindu faith, he and his children sacrificed their lives. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, along with all Sikh Gurus, spread the message of brotherhood, love, and compassion. The Aam Aadmi Party government will continue to carry forward the teachings and messages of all Sikh Gurus.”
Earlier in the day, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launched a series of events to begin the commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of ‘Hind Di Chadar,’ after senior Punjab Ministers had performed Ardas at Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib. The Cabinet Ministers including Aman Arora, Harjot Singh Bains, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Barinder Kumar Goyal, Hardeep Singh Mundian and Dr Balbir Singh, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Advisor Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others had joined the people in offering ‘Ardas’.
The Ministers, along with officials and ‘sangat’, walked barefoot from the Red Fort to Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib to offer obeisance and pay tribute at the sacred martyrdom sites of Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, who made unparalleled sacrifices in devotion to the Guru. They urged people to follow Guru Ji’s message of love, secularism, religious tolerance, freedom of faith, and peaceful co-existence. Calling it an occasion to spread Guru Sahib’s message of supreme sacrifice for humanity and religious freedom, they said the ninth Guru’s life and philosophy remain a beacon of inspiration for the world.
