The Sikh community has a glorious history, consistently demonstrating courage and dedication to the nation. Whether it was during the Mughal era, British rule, the wars of 1965 and 1971, the covert attacks by neighboring countries, or the service rendered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sikh community’s contribution has been unwavering. Despite comprising only 2% of the country’s population, their participation in challenging circumstances has always been at 100%.
A significant figure in this history is Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. He opposed the anti-religious policies of the tyrannical Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to protect the Kashmiri Pandits’ pleas and uphold the faith. As a result, Guru Tegh Bahadur, along with his three companions Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayala, and hundreds of followers, were arrested and brought to Delhi. In Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s followers were martyred. Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das, and Bhai Dayala were cruelly killed, and finally, under Aurangzeb’s orders, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s head was severed from his body. The Gurudwaras Sheesh Ganj and Rakab Ganj in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, stand as memorials to this sacrifice.
To commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, a journey began from Dhubri Sahib in Assam, and it will reach Raipur after passing through Saraypali and Basna. A grand welcome will be organized in Raipur near the Cheri Kheri Hotel Punjab Bistro. Grand welcome gates and two large stages are being constructed near Cheri Kheri. The main stage will host prominent figures including Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, members of the council of ministers, MLAs, the mayor, and other dignitaries. The second main stage will be for the key members of the Sikh community and the Gurudwara management committee.
The journey’s welcome will be led by the heads of all 18 Gurudwara committees in Raipur, who will escort it from near Saraypali. Grand preparations are underway for the arrival of the journey in the capital, Raipur. More than 20 LED screens are being installed to showcase the history of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Throughout the route, the melodious Gurbani Kirtan will be played through a sound system.
The journey will primarily take the form of a Nagar Kirtan, starting from VIP Chowk near the Ram Temple, where it will commence with Khalsa’s pride. The Shaheed Shatabdi Nagar Kirtan Yatra, which began from Dhubri Sahib in Assam, includes 20 vehicles, including two large trailer-like buses, and a contingent of 200 volunteers, Panj Pyare, and the holy Granth Sahib. One large trailer has been converted into a transparent glass bus, displaying historical weapons used during wars against the Mughals.
More than 30 stages are being set up in Raipur for the Nagar Kirtan Yatra, where flowers will be showered. Other communities, business organizations, and political organizations will also offer welcomes. The journey will pass through major routes in Raipur—Telibandha Marine Drive, Gurudwara Baba Budha Sahib, Shankar Nagar Chowk, Guru Tegh Bahadur Udyan, Ghadi Chowk, Shastri Chowk, Jai Stambh Chowk, Sharda Chowk, Phool Chowk, Azad Chowk, Aamapara Chowk, Rajkumar College, Anupam Garden, Science College, and University—before reaching Mahoba Bazar and Tatibandh Gurudwara. After an overnight stay, it will depart for Gondia (Maharashtra) on September 21 via the Durg-Dongargarh route.
Preparations for the journey’s commencement have been underway for a considerable time by the State Minority Commission and the prominent members of the Sikh community. Meetings have been held at the places where the journey will pass to finalize the arrangements. This information was provided through a joint press conference by Amarjeet Singh Chhabra, the President of the State Minority Commission, along with social worker Baldev Singh Bhatia, Jagjit Singh Khanuja, and GS Bhamra.
