Rakhar Punia, a turning point in Sikh history

Rakhar Punia marks a turning point in the Punjab history as Guru Teg Bahadur was declared a Sikh Guru on this day in 1664.

Every year, thousands of devotees gather at Baba Bakala to mark the occasion. It was here that the rightful leadership of the Sikh Panth was established, helping the community stay united in a time of uncertainty.

“For the Sikh Panth, Rakhar Punia is more than remembering the past. It is about reaffirming a model of leadership that still matters,” said Daya Singh, a lecturer at Bhai Gurdas Gurmat Institute. “It reminds us of the historic moment when Guru Teg Bahadur was declared the Sacha Guru (True Guru).”

This event took place in 1664, after the death of Guru Har Krishan. No successor had been announced and 22 people came forward in Baba Bakala claiming to be the Guru. They used money, influence and local support to push for their claims.

It was then that a wealthy trader, Makhan Shah Lubana, identified Guru Teg Bahadur as the true master. “This decision did more than settle a religious dispute. It ended a dangerous power struggle and united the Sikhs under rightful leadership,” said historian Jagdeep Singh.

Guru Teg Bahadur’s leadership later became a central point in resisting the Mughal oppression and guiding Sikhs toward the spiritual and martial path that led to the formation of the Khalsa later.