Kashmir, November 19,2025- Devotees Embark on Special Car Rally from Srinagar to Punjab, Commemorating 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur JiSrinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – November 19, 2025 – In a vibrant display of faith, unity, and interfaith harmony, a special car rally commenced today from the historic Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi (Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi) in Srinagar, as Sikh devotees set off on a pilgrimage to Punjab. The convoy, comprising dozens of vehicles adorned with spiritual symbols, banners, and portraits of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, aims to honor the 350th anniversary of his martyrdom on November 24, 1675.
This grand Nagar Kirtan procession underscores the Guru’s timeless message of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding defense of religious freedom, inspiring participants and onlookers alike to embrace peace and communal brotherhood.The rally, flagged off amid resounding hymns and enthusiastic cheers, marks the first of four nationwide Nagar Kirtans organized by the Punjab government to propagate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy of righteousness and protection of the oppressed. Vehicles festooned with saffron and blue flags, floral garlands, and inscriptions like “Hind Di Chadar” (Shield of India) will traverse key towns and villages en route to Anandpur Sahib, the spiritual epicenter of the commemorations. Along the way, participants plan to engage with local communities, hosting brief halts for kirtan sessions, awareness drives on the Guru’s teachings, and dialogues promoting tolerance and social cohesion in diverse regions.This initiative builds on a series of preparatory events, including a solemn Kirtan Darbar held yesterday at Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, attended by high-profile dignitaries such as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The gathering featured soul-stirring recitations and speeches highlighting the Guru’s supreme sacrifice—his execution in Delhi for refusing to convert to Islam and standing up for the religious rights of Kashmiri Pandits and others facing persecution under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. “Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life teaches us that true strength lies in defending the faith of all, regardless of one’s own,” CM Mann remarked, urging widespread participation in the statewide observances.Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, alongside Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, had earlier inspected arrangements at the site, ensuring seamless logistics, security, and facilities for the rally’s launch.
The Punjab government’s broader commemorative program includes light-and-sound shows in all districts—depicting the Guru’s life in a 45-minute multimedia spectacle—seminars in educational institutions, free langar services, and bhog ceremonies for thousands of Sehaj Paths. At Anandpur Sahib, a mega event on November 20 at Charan Ganga Stadium will culminate the efforts, drawing devotees from across the globe.The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and RSS-affiliated organizations are also spearheading parallel programs, including nagar kirtans at historical gurdwaras and events emphasizing the Guru’s universal values of humanity and justice. In Bathinda, an RSS-led gathering on November 24 will feature Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, reinforcing inter-community solidarity. As the convoy rolls through Jammu and Kashmir and into Punjab, it symbolizes not just a journey of remembrance but a call to action against intolerance, echoing the Guru’s ethos in contemporary times.This rally from Srinagar, a nod to the Guru’s historical visit to Kashmir in 1664, highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s enduring Sikh heritage and its role in national unity. With over 25,000 Sehaj Paths concluded at Baba Bakala and similar fervor nationwide, the 350th anniversary stands as a beacon for inclusive development and spiritual revival.
