Kejriwal attends 350th Martyrdom Day Kirtan Darbar, hails Guru Tegh Bahadur’s timeless sacrifice

• Punjab government is organising several programmes across various regions of Punjab for one month on the occasion of Martyrdom Day – Kejriwal
• We should all take inspiration from Guru Ji Maharaj’s martyrdom, honour his sacrifice, and bow to him – Kejriwal
• Guru Sahib’s sacrifice was for humanity; the Punjab government will take his message of inspiration to every person – Bhagwant Mann
• The “AAP” government will spread the messages of Sikh Gurus of Punjab across the country and the world – Saurabh Bharadwaj
• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present at the Kirtan Darbar organised by the Punjab government at Delhi’s Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib on the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

New Delhi/Punjab, Oct 2025: The Aam Aadmi Party government of Punjab on Saturday organised a grand Kirtan Darbar at Delhi’s Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib on the occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
The sacred Kirtan Darbar was attended by AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab ministers, and other dignitaries.
Kejriwal listened to the entire Kirtan with deep reverence.

He tweeted, “On the occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, I bowed at his feet and received blessings at the Kirtan Darbar organised at Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib. His sacrifice will continue to inspire us for centuries to uphold truth, righteousness, and humanity.”

On this sacred occasion, Kejriwal said, “I feel that in the entire history of humanity, there is no parallel to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The way he sacrificed his life gives a message to all mankind that life should be dedicated to the welfare of others. He is also called Hind Di Chadar. When Kashmiri Pandits came to him and told him how the then Mughal rulers were attacking their faith, Guru Ji Maharaj sacrificed everything to protect them and gave the supreme sacrifice.”

Kejriwal added that the Punjab government is organising month-long programmes across various parts of Punjab to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom and pay tribute to him, beginning with the Delhi event on Saturday. “I invite people of Delhi, the country, and the world to participate in these events in Punjab. Let us all take inspiration from Guru Ji’s sacrifice, respect his martyrdom, and bow before him,” he said.

During the event, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “At this historic Gurdwara Rakabganj, the main event marking Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Day has begun. From October 25 to November 25, the Punjab government will visit all places where Guru Sahib set foot. Great Kirtan Jathas will perform divine Kirtan, and Guru Sahib’s martyrdom will be taught in schools and added to the syllabus. Development budgets have been sanctioned for those villages where Guru Sahib visited.”

Mann said, “With the permission of the Sangat, this programme is being held in Delhi because it was here that Guru Sahib was given shelter by Lakhi Shah Banjara at his home, and later Bhai Jaita Ji carried Guru Sahib’s head to Anandpur Sahib on a stormy night. Paying tribute to Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji, I say that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom was not only for Sikhs but for all humanity and human rights — an unparalleled example.”

He added that programmes will be held across Srinagar, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and other locations visited by Guru Sahib, culminating in a grand ceremony at Anandpur Sahib on November 25 — the city founded by Guru Ji himself. “A museum has been built there depicting Bhai Jaita Ji’s journey carrying Guru Sahib’s head to present to Guru Gobind Singh Ji,” Mann said.

Mann further said, “Sikhism is the world’s youngest and most vibrant religion — one that teaches giving and creating a path for others. There is no discrimination in Sikhism; God has made everyone equal.”

He thanked the Sangat and Arvind Kejriwal for attending and announced that after November 25, another event will be held at Chandni Chowk, the site of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom.

He added that roads and infrastructure projects at sites associated with Guru Sahib are being developed with a separate budget for the 350th Martyrdom Day. All Chief Ministers have been invited, and an appointment has been taken with the President on Monday.

Mann reflected, “Across the world, Sikhs have earned respect through hard work and God’s grace. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice was selfless and for humanity. No one lights a lamp at Aurangzeb’s grave, but at Anandpur Sahib, the lines of devotees never end — that’s the difference.”

He urged people to visit Anandpur Sahib, walk the path shown by Guru Ji, give up social evils, and dedicate themselves to divine service. “Punjab’s people will continue to serve and spread Guru Sahib’s message to every household,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, AAP Delhi Convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “On the occasion of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Day, the Punjab government will hold various grand programmes across Delhi and Punjab for one month. It began in Delhi on Saturday. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself and his sons to protect Hindus, especially Kashmiri Pandits, and the Hindu faith. All Sikh Gurus spread the message of brotherhood, love, and peace, and the AAP government will continue to promote these teachings across the world.”