Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Shaheedi Purab ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਪੁਰਬ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ

Calculated for Amritsar. SGPC and government announcements take precedence.

How the date is fixed

The SGPC calendar keeps the Shaheedi Purab on Maghar Sudi 5, the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Maghar. Because it follows the Moon, the English date moves each year, between late November and mid-December. In the original 2003 Nanakshahi calendar it had a fixed date, 24 November, which some gurdwaras still follow. The Punjab Government holiday follows the SGPC date.

Why the Guru gave his life

In 1675 a group of Kashmiri Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, came to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Anandpur Sahib. They were being forced to convert under the Mughal governor of Kashmir and asked the Guru for help. The Guru told them to say that they would convert if he did. He then set out for Delhi, was arrested, and was asked to accept Islam or show a miracle. He refused both.

Before his own execution, three of his companions were put to death in front of him: Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dyala Ji. The Guru was beheaded at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, where Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib now stands.

After the martyrdom

Bhai Jaita (later Bhai Jiwan Singh) carried the Guru's head to Anandpur Sahib, where his son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, cremated it; Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Anandpur marks the place. Lakhi Shah Vanjara and his son took the Guru's body to their home and set the house alight to cremate it in secret. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi stands there today.

How it is kept

Gurdwaras hold Akhand Path and diwans with kirtan and katha. The largest gatherings are at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Nagar Kirtans are taken out in many towns in the days before. It is a gazetted holiday in Punjab.

Questions