Nagpur witnessed a massive religious gathering on Sunday as the state government's 'Hind-di-Chadar' programme marked the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. The event, one of the largest congregations in recent years, saw thousands of devotees and community representatives come together to honor the Guru's supreme sacrifice for protecting religious freedom and Indian culture.
A Tribute to the Shield of Faith
Addressing the solemn assembly, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the programme aimed to pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as 'Hind-di-Chadar' (Shield of India). He emphasized that the Guru sacrificed his life to protect the faith and cultural rights of religious communities. Fadnavis described the Shaheedi Samagam as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together Sikhs, Nanakpanthis, and diverse communities including Sikhligar, Labana, Banjara, Mohyal, Sindhi, Valmiki, and followers of the Varkari tradition Bhagat Namdeo.
The Historical Context of Supreme Sacrifice
In his speech, the Chief Minister delved into the historical circumstances that led to the Guru's martyrdom. He recounted that when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered the forced conversion of Kashmiri Pandits, they sought help from Guru Tegh Bahadur as their last hope. The Guru traveled to Delhi to defend their right to practice their religion, where he was arrested, subjected to torture, and publicly executed for refusing to convert.
Fadnavis highlighted that this ultimate sacrifice ensured the survival of India's diverse religious traditions. He also narrated the poignant tale of Lakhi Shah Banjara, a devout 17th-century Sikh follower. Defying Aurangzeb's fatwa that prohibited performing the Guru's last rites, Lakhi Shah Banjara secretly retrieved the Guru's body and cremated it by setting his own house on fire.
Legacy of Unity and Dharma
The CM connected Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice to the broader teachings of the Sikh Gurus. He recalled the foundational message of 'Ek Onkar' (One God) given by Guru Nanak Dev Ji at a time when society was fractured by caste hierarchies. He noted that Guru Nanak's teachings fostered a vast community of followers, with successive Gurus carrying forward these ideals.
Fadnavis spoke about the era of foreign invasions and the pivotal role Sikh Gurus played in safeguarding India's religious and cultural identity. He pointed to their efforts in social reform, collective worship (sangat), and the egalitarian tradition of langar (community kitchen). The legacy of sacrifice, he stated, was continued by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who dedicated his entire family for the protection of dharma.
State-Wide Commemorations Planned
Looking ahead, Chief Minister Fadnavis announced that the Maharashtra government plans to organize similar tribute programmes across the state. The objective is to ensure the history and message of Guru Tegh Bahadur reaches every village and the younger generation. As part of the state-wide observance, large-scale commemorative events are also being organized in Nanded and Mumbai.
The event in Nagpur on December 7, 2025, stood as a powerful reminder of the ninth Guru's timeless courage and his unwavering stand for the principle that every individual has the right to follow their faith without fear or coercion.
