95kg dastar, 100-year-old nagara captivate devotees at Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom anniversary events

The ongoing commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib witnessed extraordinary displays of devotion.

Baba Avtar Singh, who travelled all the way from Odisha, became a major attraction among the sangat as he reached the holy city wearing an astonishing 95kg dastar. His massive turban, layered meticulously and adorned as per Sikh tradition, symbolised deep reverence for the ninth Guru and his teachings. Devotees gathered around him in large numbers, expressing awe at his physical endurance and spiritual commitment.

Speaking to The Tribune, Baba Avtar Singh said he undertook the effort to spread the message of Sikhism and highlight the values of sacrifice, courage and universal brotherhood that Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied.

Adding to the spiritual fervour, Mahant Baba Darshan Dass from Amritsar also arrived carrying his traditional nagara, which he claims is 100 years old. The historic nagara, said to have been part of numerous significant Sikh events over the last century, echoed through the venue as the Mahant played it to honour the great Guru’s supreme sacrifice.

Baba Darshan Dass said he has been performing nagara seva at major Sikh gatherings for decades, and bringing the instrument to Anandpur Sahib for the 350th martyrdom anniversary was both a privilege and a sacred duty.

Their presence — one with a legendary dastar and the other with a century-old nagara — added a profound sense of heritage and devotion to the ongoing celebrations, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere at the holy city.