Punjab to mark 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur with major event at Anandpur Sahib

NEW DELHI: The Punjab government will observe the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur with a large-scale event in Sri Anandpur Sahib, expected to draw millions of devotees from across the country and abroad.

Officials said the three-day commemoration beginning November 23 may see a turnout of over 10 million people, including thousands of non-resident Indians from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai and Malaysia.

The lead-up to the main event will include a four-day “Mashaal-e-Shahadat Yatra” from Srinagar starting November 19. Similar yatras from Punjab’s Majha, Doaba and Malwa regions will converge at Anandpur Sahib. These will feature Panj Pyare, Panj Nishan, kirtan groups, Gatka performances, Kashmiri representatives and exhibitions on Sikh history.

Main events will include Akhand Path Sahib, cultural exhibitions, interfaith conferences, heritage walks, poetic storytelling, drone shows, and a unity event themed “Sarbat Da Bhala.” Organisers said special arrangements are being made for international attendees, including tent cities, guided tours and translation services.

Sikh organisations and gurdwara committees from Canada, the UK and the US have extended their support to the anniversary, calling it a moment of global significance for the Sikh community.