Over 12 Lakh Devotees Participate: Kirtan, Nagar-Kirtan and Ardas; Mann Government’s Historic Decision

350th Martyrdom Anniversary: A Month of Seva, Kirtan and Brotherhood Across Punjab; Millions Expected to Participate

Chandigarh, 10 November 2025 : This year, the entire month of November in Punjab is dedicated to devotion and service in honour of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The ninth Guru sacrificed his life to protect religion, humanity, and the weak. In recognition of this unparalleled sacrifice, the Punjab Government has taken a historic decision to observe November 2025 as “Shaheedi Smaran Maah” (Martyrdom Remembrance Month). This is the first time the state is holding events of this scale continuously for an entire month at the government level.

The programmes began on 1 November. Daily morning and evening kirtan, ardas and katha are being held in gurdwaras across every district. So far, more than 12 lakh devotees have taken part in these gatherings. In major cities—Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib—“Shaheedi Kirtan Darbars” are being organised every day, drawing devotees from both within Punjab and outside. Nagar-kirtans are being taken out in main markets and routes of these cities. The administration has deployed additional police, home guards, and medical teams throughout the month for security and traffic management.

The Mann Government decided that the Guru’s teachings should not remain limited to paying tributes, but should reach society through service. Therefore, over 500 seva camps have been set up across Punjab, many of which serve langar daily. The Health Department has organised 220 medical camps, where around 1.4 lakh people received free check-ups and medicines.

The Education Department launched a statewide “Moral Education Drive.” More than 10 lakh students from over 20,000 schools and colleges participated through essays, poems, posters, speeches, and cultural programmes. Children were taught that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is not just history but the greatest example of protecting humanity. The government’s “Digital Documentary Series” has been viewed lakhs of times online. For the first time, the state government has combined technology with religious and cultural history to reach families across Punjab.

Today, on 10 November, special kirtan and ardas are being held statewide. Large crowds are gathering in Amritsar and Sri Anandpur Sahib. Management committees have made overnight arrangements for cleanliness, lighting, water, parking, and security. District-level control rooms have been set up to ensure that devotees face no difficulties. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the greatest symbol of religious freedom. The aim is to ensure that every child in Punjab understands that religion means brotherhood, courage, and humanity—not hatred. Seminars and discussions on “Humanity and Religious Freedom” will continue in schools and universities for the remainder of the month.

These programmes demonstrate that Punjab does not merely commemorate its history—it applies its lessons to society. A spirit of unity, service, and brotherhood is spreading across the state. From villages to cities, from youth to elders, everyone is sharing the same message: Guru Sahib’s sacrifice will remain eternal. Even after 350 years, his courage, his sacrifice, and his humanity continue to live in the heart of Punjab.

The people of Punjab say:
“Where humanity is at risk, standing up for it is the true religion.”