The North News
Fatehgarh Sahib, December 26
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday paid homage at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, bowing in reverence to Mata Gujri and the younger Sahibzadas—Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh—whose martyrdom is commemorated during the annual Shaheedi Sabha. Describing the period as “Days of Mourning” for Punjab, Chief Minister Mann said the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, who were bricked alive by Mughal rulers, was unparalleled in human history. He said the courage and conviction shown by the young martyrs continued to inspire resistance against tyranny and injustice.
“The entire world feels proud of this extraordinary sacrifice—revered not only by Punjabis and Indians, but by humanity across the globe,” he said, noting that nearly five million devotees visit Fatehgarh Sahib during the Shaheedi Sabha each year. Speaking to reporters after paying obeisance, the Chief Minister said the sacred site drew devotees from across the world and served as a source of inspiration beyond religious boundaries. He added that the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas symbolised the universal right to practise one’s faith according to conscience—remembered in Sikh tradition as “Nikkian jinda, vadde Saake.”
Mann said he had prayed for Punjab’s prosperity, harmony and peace, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state. He also outlined arrangements made by the government for the influx of devotees, including healthcare, transport, cleanliness and security, saying it was the administration’s foremost duty to ensure a smooth Shaheedi Sabha.
The Chief Minister said this year also marks the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, adding that the state had notified holy-city status for the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur Sahib to honour Sikh heritage.
Commenting on the debate around naming the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom as Veer Bal Diwas, Mann said the sacrifice could not be confined to a single day, and criticised political reversals on the issue.
Later, the chief minister stopped to partake in tea langar along the route and interacted with devotees.
