Chandigarh: This year, the entire month of November is dedicated to reverence and service in Punjab, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The ninth Guru sacrificed his life for religion, humanity, and the protection of the weak. Therefore, the Punjab government has taken the historic decision to celebrate November 2025 as “Martyrdom Remembrance Month.” This is the first time such large-scale government-sponsored events are being held across the state for a month.
More than 12 lakh devotees participated
The events began on November 1st. Kirtan, Ardaas, and Katha are being held daily in the morning and evening in Gurudwaras across every district. So far, more than 1.2 million devotees have participated in these gatherings. In major cities—Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib—daily “Shaheedi Kirtan Darbars” are being held, attracting devotees from both Punjab and beyond. Nagar Kirtans are being held in the main markets and on the routes of the cities. The administration has deployed additional police, home guards, and medical teams for security and traffic management throughout the month.
The Mann government decided that Guru Sahib’s teachings should not be limited to tributes, but should also reach service and society. For this reason, more than 500 service camps have been set up across Punjab. In many of these camps, langar is served daily. The Health Department organized 220 medical camps, providing free checkups and medicines to approximately 1.4 lakh people.
Millions of views digital documentary
The Education Department also launched a “Moral Education Drive” across the state. Over 1 million students in over 20,000 schools and colleges participated in essay, poetry, poster, speech, and cultural programs. Children were taught that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom is not just history, but the greatest example of protecting humanity. The government’s “digital documentary series” has been viewed millions of times online. For the first time, the state government has integrated religious and cultural history with technology to bring it to every home.
Kirtan and Ardaas across the state
Today, November 10th, special kirtans and prayers are being held across the state. Thousands of devotees are arriving in Amritsar and Sri Anandpur Sahib. Management committees worked overnight to ensure cleanliness, lighting, water, parking, and security. Control rooms have been set up in each district to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience. 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 to ensure that every child in Punjab understands that religion does not mean hatred, but rather brotherhood, courage, and humanity. Seminars and discussions on “Humanity and Religious Freedom” will be held in schools and universities throughout the rest of November.
Religion is to stand with humanity.
These events have proven that Punjab not only celebrates history but also applies its lessons to society. An atmosphere of unity, service, and brotherhood is developing in the state. From villages to cities, from youth to elders, everyone is conveying the message that Guru Sahib’s sacrifice will live on forever. Even after 350 years, his courage, sacrifice, and humanity remain in the heart of Punjab. The people of Punjab are saying, “Where humanity is in danger, standing up is the true religion.”
