Procession marking Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniv passes through region

The ‘Jagriti March’, commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur, passed through Malerkotla—an erstwhile princely state blessed with the message of eternal peace by Guru Gobind Singh in recognition of the ‘Haa da Naara’ raised by Sher Mohammad Khan in favour of Sahibzadas Ajit Singh and Fateh Singh—and Ludhiana districts.

The Shobha Yatra, which was flagged off from Gurdwara Shri Guru Ka Bagh Sahib in Patna on September 17, has traversed Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and eastern parts of Punjab. It is scheduled to conclude at Anandpur Sahib in November after covering eight states.

A large number of devotees gathered at Grewal Chowk near Gurdwara Haa da Naara in Malerkotla to pay obeisance to Guru Tegh Bahadur. The cavalcade, led by Palki Sahib and Panj Pyaras, received a warm welcome at several points en route, including Bagrian, Amargarh, Tollewal Mahorana, Upoke, Jarag Chowk, Ranwan, Khanpur, Mandian, Chhokran, Dugri, Rurki Kalan, Pioneer School Gajjanmajra and Bhurthala Mander, before proceeding towards Khanna on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.

Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra, MLA and convener of the programmes organised to welcome the Jagriti March in the region, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming participation. He lauded the unity shown by people in paying tribute to the Guru and greeting devotees accompanying the Shobha Yatra.

Gajjan Majra said the Jagriti March aims to spread Guru Tegh Bahadur’s message of peace, communal harmony and sacrifice. “The march, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, symbolises his supreme sacrifice in defence of universal brotherhood and resistance against tyranny,” he added.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as ‘Hind di Chadar’, is remembered for defending the rights and faith of Hindus against Mughal oppression. Organisers said the march also pays homage to Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass and Bhai Dyala, who attained martyrdom alongside the Guru.

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi sent a message to the organisers after the flagging-off ceremony, stating that the Guru’s sacrifice for truth, freedom and protection of human values would continue to inspire generations with courage and unity.