Thousands gather at Red Fort on 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur

The Red Fort turned into a powerful confluence of faith, history and collective devotion on Monday as the second day of the three-day samagam, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur drew thousands of devotees from India and abroad.

The day began with the ceremonial Pavan Swarup procession, in which the Guru’s sacred form was carried in a palanquin from Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib to the Red Fort pandal. Amid devotional hymns and prayers, a massive crowd joined the procession that has become the spiritual centrepiece of the commemoration. The Pavan Swarup will be taken back to the gurdwara later tonight.

Earlier in the morning, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta offered prayers at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, where Guru Tegh Bahadur’s mortal remains were cremated. Calling the Guru’s sacrifice a guiding light for humanity, the CM said his message of courage, truth and compassion remained deeply relevant today.

A specially curated museum and exhibition at the Red Fort continued to draw large crowds, with devotees queuing up from early morning to view paintings, rare documents and accounts chronicling the Guru’s life, travels and martyrdom. An audio-visual gallery recreating the saga through advanced sound and projection technology left many visitors visibly moved.

The 24-hour langar service, run by hundreds of volunteers, remained a major pillar of the event, offering uninterrupted meals to the steady stream of devotees.

A key highlight of Monday evening was the group kirtan by children from the 13 schools run by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, a segment that infused the gathering with renewed spiritual warmth. The Red Fort also hosted a special light-and-sound show presenting Sikh history and Guru Sahib’s martyrdom. The presentation drew an overwhelming response on the opening day.

CM Gupta, who is personally monitoring logistical arrangements, including security, temporary auditoriums and crowd movement, urged Delhiites to attend the historic gathering and imbibe Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings of secularism, tolerance and humanity.

The Delhi Government has also declared November 25 a public holiday as a tribute to the Guru’s supreme sacrifice.

Shah pays obeisance to ninth Sikh guru

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited the Red Fort to pay obeisance ahead of the Gurmat Samagam being organised to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

He said the courage with which Guru Tegh Bahadur confronted injustice remained an inspiration for every Indian. He added Guru Sahib’s life stood as an “immortal saga of India’s spiritual consciousness, courage and sacrifice”.

Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had resolved the entire nation would commemorate the 350th martyrdom day with gratitude.