Shaheedi Jod Mela begins at Chamkaur Sahib, honouring supreme sacrifice of Sahibzadas

The three-day annual Shaheedi Jod Mela began with deep devotion and emotion at historic Chamkaur Sahib on Sunday, as thousands of devotees from Punjab, other parts of India and abroad gathered to remember the supreme sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, along with the brave Singhs who attained martyrdom while fighting the Mughal forces.

The Shaheedi Jod Mela of Chamkaur Sahib holds immense historical and spiritual significance in Sikh history. It commemorates the Battle of Chamkaur (1704), where the Sahibzadas embraced martyrdom while upholding righteousness against overwhelming odds.

From the early morning hours, pilgrims paid obeisance at Gurdwara Shri Katalgarh Sahib, the site associated with the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas. Ragi and Dhadi jathas filled the air with soul-stirring katha, kirtan and ballads recounting tales of bravery, drawing listeners into the turbulent days of 1704. Many devotees said the recitations made history come alive, allowing them to emotionally connect with the sacrifices of the Guru’s family.

A major highlight of the first day was the arrival of Nagar Kirtans from different parts of Ropar district. Early in the morning, a large Nagar Kirtan set out from Anandpur Sahib, retracing the spiritual memory of the day when Guru Gobind Singh and his family were forced to leave the holy town under trying circumstances. Additional Nagar Kirtans also reached Chamkaur Sahib from nearby villages, carrying the Guru Granth Sahib amid the chanting of hymns and the beating of traditional nagaras. The processions were warmly received by the gurdwara management and local residents.

Another Nagar Kirtan began from Gurdwara Pariwar Vichora Sahib, the site from where Guru Gobind Singh’s family separated. Guru Gobind Singh, along with Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh and a handful of Sikhs, crossed the Sirsa river and headed towards Chamkaur Sahib, while Mata Gujri and the younger Sahibzadas moved towards Ropar. Early on Sunday morning, 45 horse-mounted Sikhs symbolically crossed the Sirsa river in remembrance of the historic event.

Many visitors described the atmosphere as deeply moving. “Walking behind the Nagar Kirtan, one feels both the pain and pride of our history. It reminds us of the night when Guru Gobind Singh Ji left Anandpur Sahib with his family and Sikhs, facing unimaginable hardships,” said a devotee from the Doaba region.

Community langars organised by village associations lined the streets of Chamkaur Sahib, offering food and refreshments to pilgrims round the clock and reinforcing the Sikh traditions of sewa and equality.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the mela, the district administration has made elaborate security arrangements. Senior police officials remained stationed in the town to oversee crowd management and traffic, while volunteers assisted elderly pilgrims.

The Shaheedi Jod Mela at Chamkaur Sahib will continue till December 22, with religious divans scheduled throughout the day and night, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in the remembrance of sacrifice, faith and resilience that continue to inspire generations.