Shimla, November 1:
It felt like Shimla had slipped into a time tunnel. The Mall was packed, the air thick with colour, devotion and the weight of history as the city marked the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Huge hoardings on the Ridge recreated the chilling 1675 scene — Guru Tegh Bahadur, his devoted Sikhs, and Mughal forces preparing the Guru for execution after he refused to convert to Islam.
The images stopped people in their tracks. Many folded their hands. Some wiped tears.
Women cleaned the passage for the panj pyaras. The sacred Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji moved slowly through the crowd.
Flower showers followed. Nihang warriors performed sword stunts. Martial bands thundered at every turn.
The Mall looked like a moving river of faith — families, elders, children, sewadars — all walking from Sri Gurudwara Sahib, through Lower Bazaar, up to the Ridge.
Langars lined the route. Free health camps were set up for visitors. Kirtan and Gurbani from the pandals echoed across the hills.
At the Ridge, the State-level event organised by Shree Guru Singh Sabha, Shimla, drew thousands.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu arrived and carried the sacred Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on his head — a rare, solemn moment. He placed it respectfully on the stage as the crowd watched in silence.
“Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will always be remembered as a great warrior, a spiritual guide and the protector of the motherland,” the Chief Minister said.
“His sacrifice inspires humanity to choose righteousness and compassion.” His message was brief, but the crowd responded with loud jaikaras.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy was recalled through narrations — his travels, his teachings, and how in 1675 he chose death over conversion to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits and people of all faiths.
His martyrdom, historians say, became a turning point that strengthened the Sikh resolve for justice.
On stage, the Chief Minister honoured Jathedar Shree Akal Takht Sahib Amritsar, Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj. Sabha President Jaswinder Singh presented a Siropa to the CM in the presence of Local MLA Harish Janartha
By sunset, kirtan still floated across the Ridge. The Mall was still buzzing. And for many, it was not just an anniversary — it was a reminder of a sacrifice made 350 years ago so that every faith could breathe free.
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