Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a significant state-level ceremony in Kurukshetra on Tuesday, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. The event witnessed the release of special commemorative items and attracted thousands of devotees from across Haryana and neighboring states.
Grand Commemorative Ceremony in Sacred Land
The spiritual atmosphere at Jyotisar village in Kurukshetra was elevated as devotees from diverse communities gathered for this historic occasion. Organized by the Haryana Government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's leadership, the event featured elaborate arrangements to accommodate the massive turnout.
Prime Minister Modi officially released a commemorative postal ticket and a special coin from the Central Government, along with a coffee-table book published by the Haryana government, all dedicated to honoring Guru Tegh Bahadur's supreme sacrifice.
The administration implemented comprehensive security measures with nearly 5,000 police personnel deployed under DIG Virendra Vij's supervision. Separate frisking zones with 42 lines for men and 12 for women ensured orderly proceedings.
Interfaith Harmony and Spiritual Unity
A particularly moving moment occurred when 350 students from Patiala's Play-Way Senior Secondary School, representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities, recited Gurbani Kirtun together for approximately thirty minutes. This demonstration of interfaith harmony highlighted the universal message of Guru Tegh Bahadur's teachings.
Transportation logistics were meticulously planned, with the state government deploying nearly 4,000 buses to bring devotees from Haryana and adjoining states directly to the venue and nearby parking areas.
The spirit of seva (service) was evident through a massive langar organized by various Gurudwaras and saints from Kurukshetra. Langar halls spread across several acres served meals to lakhs of devotees throughout the day, with volunteers from Gurudwara Sahibs and other organizations participating enthusiastically.
PM Modi's Address and Historical Reflections
In his address to the gathering, PM Modi connected the sacred land of Kurukshetra with Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy. He noted that the newly inaugurated Panchajanya Memorial stands where Lord Krishna championed truth and justice, ideals that the Guru embodied through his ultimate sacrifice.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom became a symbol of fearless resistance during Mughal oppression, particularly when he challenged Aurangzeb's forced conversion policies. Despite temptations and torture, the Guru remained steadfast, even witnessing the martyrdom of his companions without wavering before offering his own life to defend dharma.
PM Modi highlighted Bhai Jaita's (Bhai Jeevan Singh) courageous act of carrying the Guru's sacred head to Anandpur Sahib, and how Guru Gobind Singh's words earned Guru Tegh Bahadur the title Hind Di Chadar (Shield of India).
Government Initiatives for Sikh Heritage
The Prime Minister detailed the government's efforts to honor Sikh heritage, including celebrating major Prakash Gurpurb as national festivals and developing key religious sites. He mentioned the Kartarpur Corridor, Hemkund Sahib ropeway, and Virasat-e-Khalsa expansion as significant projects.
PM Modi also recalled the pride felt when three saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib returned from Afghanistan and spoke about dedicating the sacred Jora Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur to Takht Sri Patna Sahib after scientific preservation.
Addressing contemporary issues, the Prime Minister noted how Guru Tegh Bahadur's teachings inspired villages to abandon intoxicants and urged society to unite in a similar campaign against drug addiction today.
The event concluded with PM Modi emphasizing that Guru Tegh Bahadur's life embodies Sarbat da Bhala (welfare for all) and teaches fearlessness, resilience, and compassion—values essential for building a developed India. He stressed that while today's India seeks peace, it never compromises on security.
Additional Ceremonies and Memorial Inaugurations
Beyond the main event, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Panchajanya Memorial at the Mahabharata Experience Centre complex in Jyotisar, the sacred Gita Sthali in Kurukshetra. The memorial honors Panchajanya, the divine conch of Lord Krishna, and features eighteen verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita inscribed on an advanced Vedic-style structure.
Accompanied by Haryana Governor Prof Aseem Kumar Ghosh and CM Nayab Singh Saini, PM Modi toured the Mahabharata Experience Centre, viewing various curated sections including the Mahakavya Creation Room, Ancient Mahabharata displays, Krishna's Vishvarupa, and Gita shlokas exhibitions.
The day's spiritual activities continued with PM Modi performing the grand evening maha aarti at the sacred Brahmasarovar during the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav 2025. Amid Vedic chanting, the PM lit the ceremonial lamp and prayed for the nation's progress and prosperity.
Kurukshetra DC Vishram Kumar Meena confirmed that all arrangements were meticulously planned and executed according to the chief minister's directions, receiving widespread appreciation from devotees who attended this historically significant commemoration.
