Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom anniv: Sikh high priests renew call for Bandi Singhs release

On the eve of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the holy city of Anandpur Sahib witnessed a surge of devotees and a strong, emotional appeal from Sikh high priests who reiterated their long-standing demand for the release of Bandi Singhs — Sikh prisoners who, they claim, continue to remain behind bars despite completing their sentences.

At a well-attended religious congregation held at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, delivered a forceful address that resonated sharply with the sangat gathered for the historic commemoration. He said that the anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur — the Guru who sacrificed his life to uphold freedom of conscience — serves as the most appropriate moment for the government to act.

He alleged that many Bandi Singhs had legally completed their terms but were still lodged in jails ‘without justification’. Drawing comparisons with previous high-profile releases, he questioned, if those convicted in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi could be freed, why Sikh detainees who have served their term could not be granted the same consideration.

Gargaj did not spare either the Punjab government or AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, accusing both of failing to sincerely pursue the matter with the Union Government. “If the Centre and the Punjab government truly want to pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, then they should begin by ensuring the release of Bandi Singhs,” he asserted.

Earlier in the day, the Sikh high priests conducted an Amrit Sanchar ceremony at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, which saw participation from devotees of all age groups, particularly the youth. The Dharam Parchar Committee of the SGPC distributed literature on Sikh history and teachings, urging young Sikhs to embrace the ‘true form of Sikhi’ and connect with the spiritual legacy of the Gurus. Dhadi jathas from various schools of Anandpur Sahib performed ballads recounting episodes of sacrifice and valour from Sikh history, adding a deeply emotional dimension to the event.

Meanwhile, as the main commemorative programmes approach, Anandpur Sahib witnessed its largest influx of pilgrims so far. The narrow roads leading to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib were teeming with devotees from across the country. Traffic slowed to a crawl as large numbers of families, youth groups and elderly pilgrims made their way on foot towards the revered shrines.

One of the key attractions for visitors was the special display organised by the SGPC outside Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. A bus — specially modelled to showcase weapons associated with Guru Gobind Singh. including replicas of swords, spears and shields — drew long queues of devotees eager to connect with the martial heritage of the Sikh tradition.

As lakhs of pilgrims continue to pour into Anandpur Sahib, the call for the release of Bandi Singhs once again echoes prominently across the celebrations.