The Sikh community across India and the globe observed the Martyrdom Day of the Four Sahibzadas with profound reverence and solemnity. This day commemorates the supreme sacrifice of the four sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who laid down their lives for their faith in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Commemorations and Religious Observances
Institutions, gurdwaras, and schools organized special programs to honor the memory of the young Sahibzadas. The day was marked by Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (devotional singing), and katha (religious discourses) that narrated the tales of their bravery and unwavering faith. Many devotees participated in nagar kirtans (religious processions) to pay their respects.
Speakers and religious heads highlighted the immense courage displayed by the Sahibzadas, who faced persecution with steadfast resolve. The youngest, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, aged just 6 and 9, were bricked alive in a wall for refusing to renounce their faith. The elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, attained martyrdom on the battlefield of Chamkaur Sahib.
Educational Institutions Impart Lessons in Sacrifice
Several educational institutions played a pivotal role in the observances. Schools, particularly in Punjab and regions with a significant Sikh population, held assemblies and special sessions. Students presented poems, speeches, and tableaus depicting the lives and sacrifices of the Sahibzadas. The aim was to educate the younger generation about this crucial chapter in Sikh history and instill the values of courage, conviction, and righteousness.
Teachers emphasized that the martyrdom of the four princes is not merely a historical event but a timeless source of inspiration. It teaches the importance of standing up for one's principles against all odds, a lesson deemed essential in today's world.
The Enduring Legacy of the Sahibzadas
The observance of the Martyrdom Day serves as a powerful annual reminder of the price paid for religious freedom and identity. The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas is central to the Sikh ethos and is remembered with deep emotion during the Chhota Sahibzada and Vada Sahibzada commemorations. Their story continues to strengthen the community's resolve and faith.
The day concluded with prayers for peace and communal harmony, drawing from the universal message of sacrifice and dignity that the Sahibzadas embodied. Their legacy continues to inspire millions, reinforcing the core Sikh tenets of ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (welfare for all) and righteous living.
