Haryana is all set to remember one of its most powerful yet least talked about historical heroes. Dahiya offered his life to ensure the Guru’s severed head could be taken safely to Anandpur Sahib and outwitting Mughal forces determined to seize it.
The state government will celebrate the 350th Balidaan Diwas of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya on 14 November, an unsung hero who ensured that the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur reached safely from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib in 1675. His act of bravery remains as a rare example of loyalty and devotion in the face of tyranny to this date.
Kushal Singh Dahiya: Legacy Rooted in Courage
Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya hailed from Garhi village in Sonipat, now known as Badhkhalsa. When the Mughal forces tried to snatch the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur after his execution during the reign of Aurangzeb, Dahiya came forward to save the honor of the Guru.
He offered his own head so the Mughal soldiers would be misled, allowing Bhai Jaita to take the Guru’s remains safely to Anandpur Sahib. His sacrifice became an enduring symbol of bravery and spiritual duty.
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Commemoration Led by Haryana Government
It is part of the wide-ranging programmes being organised across the state on the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The Sonipat programme will be presided over by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the mega event at Kurukshetra later this month. The congregation will take place at Rajiv Gandhi Education City in Rai tehsil, near Dahiya’s ancestral village.
Badhkhalsa: A Village of Heritage & Memory
Badhkhalsa’s name has a few meanings attached; all relate to its culture. To some people, it is the name of a sacrifice of a Khalsa warrior; others call it Bada Khalsa, meaning collective strength.
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There is a memorial dedicated to Dahiya in the village, according to his story. For residents here including officials involved in the ceremony, this is a moment of pride and reflection.
Kushal Singh Dahiya: What is the Lesson Behind the Sacrifice
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution at Chandni Chowk and the subsequent efforts to protect his remains are pivotal moments in Sikh history. Dahiya’s sacrifice, perceived as an act of unwavering commitment to dharma and communal harmony, is the stuff of immortal inspiration.
The Haryana government’s initiative seeks not only to keep alive memories but also aims at bringing communities together from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi among other parts of the state. Through this commemoration, Dahiya’s life stands as a moral guidepost for successive generations.
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Disclaimer: This article offers historical context and editorial analysis based on publicly available information without endorsing any political viewpoint.
