The second Sikh martyr and ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, devoted his life to uphold human rights and serve his faith. Worshipers commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom day every year on 24 November.
The day of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom is often referred to as Shaheedi Diwas. Gobind Singh, the eleventh Guru, was his biological son. His execution and cremation sites in Delhi, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, later became Sikh sacred places. At birth, his name was Tyaga Mal. He also learned Gurmukhi, Hindi, and Sanskrit from a respected Sikh scholar. In Bakala, Guru Tegh Bahadur spent the majority of his time in meditation. The sudden passing of Guru Harkrishan left the Sikhs wondering who would be the next Sikh guru. When Guru Har Krishan was asked who would succeed him as he was on his deathbed, it is said that he simply stated, “Baba” and “Bakala.” This indicated that the next Guru will be from Bakala. People were forced to alter their religions while Aurangzeb was the Mughal Emperor. Many people weren’t pleased with this and turned to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for assistance. “If you succeed in converting my religion, other people will also follow me,” the 9th Guru of the Sikhs chided the King. Aurangzeb made numerous attempts, but to no avail. Enraged, he then ordered Guru Tegh Bahadur’s beheading. Guru Tegh Bahadur was ruthlessly killed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on 24 November 1675.
The purpose of commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day is to honour and respect the sacrifice made by the ninth Sikh Guru while preserving people’s religious feelings.