Haryana Leads The Nation In Honouring The 350th Martyrdom Of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

The State of Haryana has set a remarkable example in commemorating the legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji on November 25, 2025, at a historic ceremony marking the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Sahib at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra.

The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together spiritual reverence and national leadership on one platform. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a series of major initiatives dedicated to the legacy of the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The Hon'ble Chief Minister and various state departments have led these efforts with the active participation of lakhs of citizens, students, scholars, and organisations, making Haryana a unique example of communal harmony and respect for Guru Sahib’s values of sacrifice, freedom, and universal brotherhood.

From educational programmes and blood-donation drives to state-level yatras, sand art shows, seminars, light and sound programs and monumental government announcements, the month-long commemorative campaign has reflected the state’s commitment to preserving Sikh heritage in a meaningful way.

The highlight of the grand commemoration day marking the 350th Shahidi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was releasing ‘a postal stamp and commemorative coin’ dedicated to Guru Sahib Ji and unveiling a beautifully curated ‘Coffee Table Book on Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’ by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, serving as lasting historical documents for future generations.

A resolution dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was presented at the Vidhan Sabha. This act set the tone for the upcoming initiatives by formally recognising Guru Sahib Ji’s unparalleled contribution to protecting religious freedom and human rights.

Haryana has witnessed an unprecedented and deeply reverential series of statewide initiatives dedicated to the life, legacy, and supreme martyrdom of Hind Di Chadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

On November 1, 2025, a mega blood donation camp was organised in Panchkula, followed by 350 blood donation camps across Haryana. These camps collectively reflect the spirit of Sewa that forms the foundation of Sikh philosophy. As of date, nearly 27,000 units of blood have been collected, making it one of the largest volunteer-driven health service campaigns in the state’s history.

To inspire young minds and inculcate an understanding of Guru Sahib Ji’s teachings, the state organised a massive essay-writing competition across government and non-government schools. A remarkable 3.5 lakh students participated, composing essays in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Sanskrit. This multilingual approach ensured maximum inclusion and helped students engage deeply with Guru Sahib’s legacy.

On November 3, 2025, the programme “Suno Kahani Guru Tegh Bahadur Ke” saw participation from 350 students from each district, who narrated stories from Guru Sahib Ji’s life. This platform encouraged students to learn through storytelling, rekindling the values of courage, compassion, and steadfastness inculcated by the teachings of Sikh Gurus.

The State organised four Shaheedi Yatras, each marking a sacred milestone in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The first Yatra began on November 8 from Rori, Sirsa, followed by a national seminar at CDLU Sirsa, where the Hon’ble Chief Minister announced the establishment of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Research Chair. On November 9, the “Hind Di Chadar Run” in Karnal saw the enthusiastic participation of over 50,000 youth, reflecting collective respect and energy for Guru Sahib’s message. The second Shaheedi Yatra commenced from Pinjore on November 11, the same day Government Polytechnic College, Ambala, was renamed as Guru Tegh Bahadur Polytechnic College, Ambala. November 14 witnessed the third Shaheedi Yatra starting from Faridabad, flagged off by Union Cabinet Minister Shri Manohar Lal Ji, alongside the designation of the important Tohana–Jind–Dhamdhan Sahib Road as Guru Tegh Bahadur Marg and a state-level programme at Badkhalsa honouring Kushal Singh Dahiya, who sacrificed his life to protect Guru Sahib’s Sis. On November 18, the fourth Shaheedi Yatra began from Sidora, Yamuna Nagar, during which the Hon’ble Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of “Guru Tegh Bahadur Van” and announced the establishment of Guru Tegh Bahadur Agriculture College, strengthening the Guru’s legacy in academic and environmental fields. All four yatras culminated at Kurukshetra on 24th November. The commemorative series concluded on November 25 with the grand observance of the 350th Shahidi Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, adding national significance.

It is noteworthy that during his tenure as Chief Minister beginning in 2014, Shri Manohar Lal consistently took steps to bring the Sikh community into the fold by participating in major Sikh religious events, promoting heritage sites, and supporting institutions linked to Sikh history. His approach has been characterised not just by celebration but by sincere public service, development efforts, and institutional support.

This tradition has been carried forward wholeheartedly by the current Chief Minister, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, who has ensured that the initiatives reflect continuity, respect, and growth in the state’s relationship with the Sikh community.

Haryana today stands as perhaps the only state outside Punjab where the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is honoured through such consistent, large-scale, and service-orientated programmes. These are not mere events but a committed endeavour for the community’s welfare and the promotion of Sewa, harmony, and shared cultural pride.