Guru Tegh Bahadur Punya Divas, also known as Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day, is observed to honor the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. This day commemorates his sacrifice and martyrdom for the cause of religious freedom and justice. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam and for defending the rights of Hindus and other communities to practice their own religions.
The day is observed with prayers, hymns, and gatherings in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) across India and in Sikh communities around the world. It is a time for reflection on his teachings and his unwavering commitment to human rights and religious freedom.
Under the mentor-ship of his father, he became adept in using the sword, hence was named Tegh Bahadur (meaning Mighty of the sword). Later, he became the ninth Sikh Guru and on his return to Punjab, he settled down at Anandpur. His followers hailed him as the Sacha Badshah (True King).
During that time Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor had started destroying Hindu temples and forcing people to follow the Muslim faith. Guru Tegh Bahadur took very active part in the fight against such atrocities. Owing to his bravery, the Mughal officials such as Nur Muhammad Khan, Dilawar Khan and Wazir Khan got him arrested.
The great Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal emperor in November, 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam. Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his life for the freedom of religion, ensuring that everyone was able to follow and practice their religion without any domination. Therefore, Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed for political reasons, with his fellow devotees Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass and Dayal Dass.
The Gurdwara, Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, was built on the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded. Another Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, in Delhi, was constructed on the site of the Lakhi Shah Vanjaras home. He was a disciple of the Guru, who burnt his house to cremate the Gurus body.
Today this day is observed as Guru Tegh Bahadur Punya Divas. Processions are carried out and a large number of devotees gather for the procession to pay their obeisance to the Guru. Kirtan or religious songs are sung in the Gurudwaras by the devotees. The ethos of Guru Tegh Bahadur is a source of inspiration for the coming generations.