350th Martyrdom Anniversary, Over 1.2 Million Devotees Participated in Seva Kirtan

Punjab: This year, the entire month of November is dedicated to devotion and service in Punjab to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The Ninth Guru sacrificed his life for the protection of religion, humanity, and the weak.

Therefore, the Punjab government has taken the historic decision to observe November 2025 as "Martyrdom Remembrance Month." This is the first time that such large-scale programs are being held continuously at the government level throughout the state for an entire month.

When the program started?

The programs began on November 1. Kirtan, Ardas, and Katha are being held daily in gurdwaras across every district. So far, more than 1.2 million devotees have participated in these gatherings. "Shaheedi Kirtan Darbars" are being held daily in major cities – Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib – with congregations arriving from Punjab and beyond.

Nagar Kirtans are being taken out on the main markets and routes of the cities. The administration has deployed additional police, home guards, and medical teams throughout the month for security and traffic management.

The Mann government decided that Guru Sahib's teachings should not be limited to mere tributes, but should extend to service and society. For this reason, more than 500 service camps have been set up throughout Punjab. Langar (community kitchen) is being served daily at many of these locations. The Health Department has set up 220 medical camps, where approximately 1.4 lakh people received free checkups and medicines.

The Education Department also launched a "Moral Education Drive" across the state. More than 10 lakh students in over 20,000 schools and colleges participated in essays, poems, posters, speeches, and cultural programs. Children were taught that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom is not just a historical event, but the greatest example of the protection of humanity. The government's "digital documentary series" has been viewed millions of times online. For the first time, the state government has combined religious and cultural history with technology to reach every household.

Today, November 10th, special kirtans and prayers are being held throughout the state. Thousands of devotees are arriving in Amritsar and Sri Anandpur Sahib. Management committees have made arrangements for cleanliness, lighting, water, parking, and security throughout the night. District-level control rooms have been set up to ensure that no devotee faces any inconvenience.

What CM Bhagwant Mann said?

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the greatest example of religious freedom. The government's aim is that every child in Punjab understands that religion does not mean hatred, but brotherhood, courage, and humanity. Seminars and discussions on "Humanity and Religious Freedom" will also be held in schools and universities throughout the rest of November.

These programs have proven that Punjab not only celebrates history but also implements its lessons in society. An atmosphere of unity, service, and brotherhood is being created in the state. From villages to cities, from youth to the elderly, everyone is conveying the message that the sacrifice of Guru Sahib will always remain alive. Even after 350 years, his courage, sacrifice, and humanity reside in the heart of Punjab. The people of Punjab are saying, "Standing up where humanity is in danger is the true religion."