Punjab to mark 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur with week-long event in Anandpur Sahib

The Punjab government will commemorate the 350^th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, with a week-long event in Anandpur Sahib from November 19 to 25. This event is expected to draw millions of devotees from across India and abroad.

Three cabinet ministers—Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond—along with senior officials from the tourism department and district administration convened a meeting to finalise the preparation.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the government is organising the event on a large scale to ensure the comfort and participation of all devotees. A tent city will be set up in Anandpur Sahib to provide temporary accommodation for the expected influx of pilgrims. Ongoing development works in and around the city have been fast-tracked to meet the deadline.

He added that on November 19, a four-day religious pilgrimage will begin from Shrinagar to Anandpur Sahib before proceeding to Delhi. Similar yatras will leave from various parts of Punjab. These yatras will include the Mashal-e-Shahadat, a library related to the biography, teachings and martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. A large number of Kashmiri Pandits will also participate.

Bains further said that an Akhand Path Sahib will commence on November 23 at Virasat-e-Khalsa, in which prominent personalities and religious figures from the country and abroad, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will be present. On the same day, the CM will inaugurate a digital exhibition, depicting the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, at Virasat-e-Khalsa. A guided tour will be organised from Virasat-e-Khalsa to Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial and Panj Piara Park, Katha.

A special session of the Vidhan Sabha will be called on November 24, potentially in Anandpur Sahib. On this occasion, a heritage walk through the city’s religious and historical places will also take place, along with a Light and Sound Show and a Drone Show at Panj Piara Park.

Harbhajan and Tarunpreet said that on November 25, the Bhog of the Akhand Path Sahib will be held, in which Punjab CM will be present, who will also launch a state-level plantation campaign led by the Forest Department. During this campaign, 3.50 lakh saplings will be planted.

The Punjab government aims to blend spiritual observance with infrastructural uplift during this important event, showcasing the rich heritage of Sikhism and its message of sacrifice, tolerance, and courage, they said.