December 27 is officially recognized as Veer Bal Diwas or National Child Martyrdom Day to commemorate their courage towards religion. And to cherish the unshakable legacy of Guru Sahib and Char Sahibzaade, the Punjab administration announced a public holiday on December 27.
The decision came to honor the Shaheedi of Char Sahibzaadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The announcement was confirmed by Panjab University (PU) stating that all its institutions, including regional and rural centers across the state, will remain closed. This applies to colleges, affiliated institutions, and their administrative offices.
Historical Significance of Veer Bal Diwas
Veer Bal Diwas marks significant role to tribute the unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his mother, and his four sons, who gave their lives for their principles and to protect the Dharam (religion). Let’s delve into the chronicles of history, what actually happened in year 1704.
The Birth of Char Sahibzaadas
Sahibzada Ajit Singh, the eldest son of Guru Ji, Ajit Singh was born on January 26, 1687. He got martyred on December 22, 1704.
The second son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh was born on 14 March 1691. He attained martyredom on 22 December 1704.
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh was the third of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four sons. He was born on 28 November 1695 and got martyred on 27 December 1704.
The fourth and youngest son of Guru Sahib was Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji. Born on 12 December 1699, he got martyred on December 27, 1704.
The Story of Char Sahibzaade
The Mughal forces, led by Aurangzeb were mercilessly troubling Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family, as they refused to abandon their religious beliefs and tradition. During this cruel time, the bravery of Sahibzadas came to the forefront.
A Timeline of How the Events Unfolded?
The vicious moves of Aurangzeb occurred from 20 December to 27 December 1704. These days can never be erased or forgotten from Sikh history.
Pariwar Vichhora
December 20, 1704, marked a fateful day when dark clouds descended upon Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family. On that cold and chilling night, Guru Sahib, along with his four Sahibzaadas, Mata Gujari Kaur, his wife Mata Jeeto Ji, the five Panj Piaras, and several hundred devoted Sikhs, departed from the Anandpur Sahib Fort, en route to Rupnagar.
As they made their way, the Mughals, having broken their vows of peace, launched a brutal attack on the Guru’s entourage. The attack happened at Sarsa river, just 25 kms from Anandpur Sahib. Here Guru Sahib’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh along with Mata Gujri were separated.
The spot is also referred to as ‘ Pariwar Vichhora’ In honor of this painful and significant event, a Gurudwara was built at the site, known as Gurudwara Pariwar Vichhora Sahib.
The Battle of Chamkaur
After the Sarsa river separation, on December 21, Guru Sahib, his eldest sons, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh along with Panj Pairas, and 40 Sikhs reached Chamkaur Sahib. The Battle of Chamkaur Sahib happened on 22 December between the Khalsa forces and the Mughal army.
During this battle, Guru Sahib’s eldest Sahibzaade, Ajit Singh (18) and Jujhar Singh (14), along with three Panj Piaras and 40 Sikhs, attained martyrdom. Guru Sahib along with few Sikhs had to leave the fort on the continuous requests by the remaining Khalsa forces. The next day, the remaining Khalsa forces also attained martyrdom.
The Thanda Burj Incident
When Mata Gujri and the younger Sahibzaadas were separated, a former servant of Guru Sahib, Gangoo (a Kashmiri Pandit) offered them stay in his house. However, Gangoo broke his vows and trust in greed of money and informed the Mughals about their location. Aurangzeb imprisoned the three of them in Thanda Burj (Open Tower) in the chilling nights of December with no mats and blankets.
The next day both Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were brought to Wazir Khan. He was the governor of the state who followed Aurangzeb’s path and vision. Wazir Khan suggested the Chote Sahibzaade to convert to Islam and he will set them free. However, the two Sahibzaade stood steadily and bravely denied the conversion and accepted the death.
On 27 December, Zorawar Singh (9) and Fateh Singh (6) were bricked alive in the Sarzameen of Sirhind. Mata Gujari Kaur was unable to bear the immense grief of her young grandsons’ martyrdom. Upon hearing the tragic news of their sacrifice, she left for her heavenly abode.
Veer Bal Diwas is not only a day of remembrance, the day also offers a chance to teach the next generation the virtues of courage. It is an event to make the future generations realize how their Gurus had to go through immense sacrifice to protect their Kaum (Community).
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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