Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary events to be held at Budha Dal dera after SGPC rejects gurdwara venue

With the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) denying permission to the Punjab Government to hold religious functions in its gurdwaras, the state has decided to organise its key religious events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur at the dera of the Nihang sect, Baba Budha Dal, in Anandpur Sahib.

The Budha Dal, headed by Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, has its headquarters at Guru Ka Bagh Chhaoni, located near Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib the birthplace of the Khalsa. According to official sources, the state government had earlier requested the SGPC for permission to hold a special Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Shishganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, but the SGPC refused, asserting that the government should not interfere in religious matters.

The SGPC also did not approve the government’s request for 200 rooms in its sarai’s (inns) for accommodation of state guests and participants. Following the refusal, the Punjab Government shifted the venue of its religious events to Guru Ka Bagh Chhaoni Budha Dal, where preparations are in full swing.

Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, head of the Budha Dal, announced that the Martyrdom Centenary events of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur revered as Hind Di Chadar will be held from November 23 to 25 at Guru Ka Bagh Chhaoni, in accordance with Gurmat Maryada (Sikh code of conduct). The ceremonies will begin with the Akhand Path Sahib on November 23, culminating with the Bhog ceremony on November 25.

An All-Faith Conference (Sarv Dharam Sammelan) will also be organised on November 23, bringing together religious leaders and scholars from across India and abroad to celebrate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy of sacrifice for religious freedom.

After reviewing preparations with Punjab Tourism Department Advisor Deepak Bali and local administrative officers, Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh stated that the event will also coincide with the centenary of the Gurta Gaddi Diwas (enthronement day) of the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh. All events, are being organised by the Punjab Government in line with Sikh traditions and under the spiritual supervision of the Budha Dal, he said.

A major highlight of the celebrations will be the ‘Seesh Bhet Yatra’ (Head Offering Procession) on November 24, starting from Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib. The religious procession, led by various Nihang Singh organisations, will culminate at Gurdwara Shishganj Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, retracing the spiritual journey of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice.

Tourism Department Advisor Deepak Bali revealed that a drone show depicting the life and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur will be held daily from November 23 to 29 at Virasat-e-Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib. Featuring 500 drones, it will be the first such presentation in North India.

 To accommodate the influx of devotees from India and abroad, three large tent cities are being set up in Anandpur Sahib from November 19 to 29. These temporary facilities will include amenities such as water, sanitation and food arrangements for the sangat.

A light and sound show — narrating Guru Tegh Bahadur’s unparalleled martyrdom — will be held on November 20 at Charan Ganga Stadium.

“From November 23 to 25, a series of religious and cultural programs, including Gurmat Samagams, Dhadi-Kavishri Darbars, Sarbat Da Bhala Unity Gatherings, and devotional Kirtan Darbars will be organised, featuring noted Ragi Jathas and preachers,” he said.