Kejriwal: ‘Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Sacrifice Has No Parallel in History’

At the Kirtan Darbar held on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Kejriwal said, “No sacrifice like that of Guru Sahib can be found in history.”

• “To protect the Hindu faith, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib made the supreme sacrifice at Chandni Chowk in Delhi,” said Kejriwal.
• “On Wednesday, the Kirtan Jatha will depart from Srinagar and reach Anandpur Sahib on November 22,” Kejriwal said.
• “I appeal to everyone to participate in large numbers in the programmes organised by the Punjab Government on the 350th martyrdom anniversary,” he added.
• “For the first time, a special session of the Assembly will be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 24, where historic decisions will be taken,” said Bhagwant Mann.
• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Cabinet Ministers were present at the Kirtan Darbar held at Gurdwara Sri Chatti Patshahi Sahib in Srinagar.

New Delhi/Punjab, Nov 2025 :Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann attended the Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Sri Chatti Patshahi Sahib in Srinagar, organised to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. During the event, Kejriwal said that no sacrifice in history matches that of Guru Sahib. To protect the Hindu religion, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib made the supreme sacrifice at Chandni Chowk in Delhi. He added that the yatra will begin from Srinagar on Wednesday and reach Anandpur Sahib on November 22. He urged everyone to participate in large numbers in the programmes organised by the Punjab Government on this sacred occasion. The entire Punjab Cabinet and other dignitaries were present.

Calling himself fortunate to be part of the Kirtan Darbar, Kejriwal said that while people usually visit Srinagar for tourism or work, he felt blessed to come for the first time to this holy place. “We have gathered today to honour the sacred memory of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib on his 350th martyrdom anniversary. Known as the ‘Crown of Martyrs’ and the ‘Protector of India’, his sacrifice is unparalleled across all religions of the world.”

Kejriwal said that Kashmiri Pandits were facing severe persecution and had travelled to Anandpur Sahib to seek Guru Sahib’s help. To protect their faith, Guru Sahib sacrificed his life in Delhi. “Such a sacrifice is not seen anywhere in history,” he said, adding that people must participate in the programmes organised by the Punjab Government.

He said it is the collective responsibility of all to pass down the story of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom to future generations. Children must be taught about his sacrifice so they can draw inspiration and shape their lives according to his teachings. Kejriwal also expressed happiness that the yatra would start from Srinagar on Wednesday and reach Anandpur Sahib on the night of November 22. “I consider myself blessed to be present with CM Bhagwant Mann at the start of this yatra. I pray that Guru Sahib bless all of you with happiness, good health, and prosperity.”

Bhagwant Mann said that reading history reveals how Tyagmala became Tegh Bahadur, how the journey from Baba Bakala to Guru Lado Re unfolded, and how Lakhi Shah Banjara set his own house on fire to cremate Guru Sahib’s body. He recalled how Bhai Jaita Ji (later known as Bhai Jivan Singh Ji) carried Guru Sahib’s severed head from Delhi to Amritsar despite immense hardships. Guru Gobind Singh Ji gifted him a book in honour of this great deed. “These sacrifices are not small,” Mann said. “The new generation may not fully understand them due to changing mediums, so we must use modern methods like light-and-sound shows and YouTube to convey these stories while maintaining traditional dignity.”

He said that no such example exists anywhere else in the world. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the crown of martyrs, gave up everything to protect the Kashmiri Pandits. Under the leadership of Pandit Kirpa Ram Ji, a group came to Delhi and Guru Sahib accepted their plea. Mann recounted growing up listening to the stories narrated by Bhai Seva Singh Ji, Bhai Hojendra Singh Ji of Srinagar, and Bhai Balwinder Singh Rangila. “As a child, after listening to the story of Bhai Mati Das Ji, I would join two cots, place speakers on them, and listen to devotional Kirtan.” He paid tribute to Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Dayala Ji, and Bhai Sati Das Ji.

Mann said that earlier the school curriculum contained only a small lesson on Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Now, the Punjab Government is including Guru Sahib’s full biography, so children learn how even four of the five Sikhs (Bhai Ji) made sacrifices. Guru Sahib performed no miracle; he simply stood for truth. He spoke of Makhan Shah Lubana, who offered 500 gold coins to identify the true Guru, and how a ship stuck at a Gujarat port was freed through Guru Sahib’s grace. He also narrated the inspiring story of Mata Bhag Kaur Ji, and how Guru Gobind Singh Ji sacrificed his four sons and his mother Mata Gujri Ji. “There is hardly any family in history that has made such profound sacrifices.”

He said that langar is Guru Sahib’s blessing. Be it the Sri Lanka tsunami or the Turkey earthquake, Sikh langar reaches affected regions right after the Red Cross. The Punjab Government has identified 109 villages and towns visited by Guru Sahib. Lakhs of rupees are being spent on development works in these areas. Kirtan and light-and-sound shows are being organised to narrate Guru Sahib’s life. Kirtan Jathas are travelling to Faridkot, Bathinda, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Mann added that awards such as the Padma Shri do not elevate these great Ragi Jathas; rather, these jathas elevate the value of the awards. “Nothing is greater than truth. When you speak the truth, you don’t need to remember anything. Those who lie must remember every lie,” he said, quoting Surjit Patar: “Do not speak so much truth that you end up alone.” He said Guru Sahib made immense sacrifices to free people from worldly illusions, but people remain trapped in them.

Mann said that time spent in such gatherings is the most precious. The Punjab Government has allocated full resources for these programmes, with no shortage of funds. The entire Cabinet and the Speaker of the Assembly will be present at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 23, 24, and 25. The Kirtan Jathas will reach on November 22. A multi-faith conference and Akhand Path will be held on November 23. On November 24, a special session of the Assembly will be held for the first time at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where historic decisions will be taken. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will also attend. All issues will be discussed in detail.