Delhi to mark Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom anniv at Red Fort

The Delhi Government has announced that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism, would be commemorated on a grand scale at Lal Qila (Red Fort) this November. This is the first time that the government will host such an event at the site where Guru Sahib made his supreme sacrifice for religious freedom.

The decision was approved in a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announcing the details of the tribute.

Calling it a “historic tribute”, Minister Sirsa said the two-day commemoration would include a light and sound show, Kirtan Darbar, panel discussions, exhibitions of paintings and archives, and public translations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s teachings in multiple languages to reach a wider audience.

Underlining the importance of the initiative, Sirsa said, “Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom is not just a part of Sikh history — it’s a message of freedom, tolerance and justice. Under PM Modi’s vision and CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership, this celebration is a historic recognition of Delhi’s deep rooted connection with Sikhism.”

As part of this unique tribute, a Miyawaki forest in Jainpur will be dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a living memorial to his sacrifice and the Sikh community’s deep bond with nature.

In a significant academic push, Delhi University has also launched an undergraduate course titled ‘Sikh Martyrdom in Indian History’, fulfilling a long-standing demand for formal study of Sikh history and ideals.

Earlier consultations with Sikh leaders and the DSGMC had shaped the plan, and the Delhi Government now aims to take Guru Sahib’s legacy to schools and colleges throughout the year.

The government will hold exhibitions, lectures, competitions and outreach programmes to ensure the younger generation understands Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy and strengthen their connection with Delhi’s rich historical and cultural roots.