On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led national commemorations by unveiling a commemorative postage stamp, a special coin, and a coffee-table book dedicated to the Ninth Sikh Guru.
The grand tribute was held at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra, Haryana, a site deeply rooted in Indian spiritual history. The event served as a reminder of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for religious freedom and interfaith harmony.
State-Level Celebration in Kurukshetra
The commemorative event was organised by the Haryana government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Thousands of devotees from Haryana and nearby states gathered at Jyotisar village, where elaborate security and logistical arrangements were in place.
The event marked a state-level homage but reflected national reverence for the contributions of Guru Tegh Bahadur, especially his resistance to religious persecution during the Mughal era.
Interfaith Harmony Through Gurbani Recital
A central feature of the ceremony was the interfaith Gurbani recitation performed by 350 school students from Patiala.
These students came from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian backgrounds, symbolising the message of unity and mutual respect that Guru Tegh Bahadur upheld.
Their unified kirtan performance highlighted the Guru’s role in promoting peace, tolerance, and religious freedom.
PM Modi’s Address: Honouring Sikh Heritage
In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised Guru Tegh Bahadur’s enduring legacy as the “Hind Di Chadar”, a protector of faith who refused to convert under pressure from Mughal rulers.
Modi also praised Bhai Jaita (Bhai Jeevan Singh), who courageously carried the Guru’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib.
He listed several government initiatives to honour Sikh heritage:
- Celebration of Prakash Gurpurbs
- Development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
- Construction of the Hemkund Sahib ropeway
- Expansion of the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum
These efforts reflect the Centre’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s Sikh legacy.
Panchajanya Memorial and Gita Mahotsav 2025
As part of his visit to Jyotisar, PM Modi also inaugurated the Panchajanya Memorial at the Mahabharata Experience Centre.
Key highlights of this memorial include:
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A golden conch structure symbolising Lord Krishna’s divine instrument.
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Inscriptions from the Bhagavad Gita, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the site.
Later, the Prime Minister performed a maha aarti at the Brahmasarovar as part of the International Gita Mahotsav 2025.
He also engaged with scholars, viewed Mahabharata-themed galleries, and reinforced Kurukshetra’s role as a spiritual and cultural epicentre.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Occasion: 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Location: Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
- Organisers: Haryana Government under CM Nayab Singh Saini
- Honours Released:
- Commemorative Stamp
- Special Coin
- Coffee-table Book
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Title: Referred to as “Hind Di Chadar”
- Notable Figures Mentioned: Bhai Jaita (Bhai Jeevan Singh)
- Government Initiatives for Sikh Heritage:
- Kartarpur Corridor
- Hemkund Ropeway
- Virasat-e-Khalsa
Additional Inaugurations:
- Panchajanya Memorial
- Maha Aarti at Brahmasarovar
- Part of International Gita Mahotsav 2025
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