Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day Holiday: Which States Have Declared Holidays On November 25 For Shaheedi Diwas

Many northern states of India have declared school holidays for honouring the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth guru of Sikhs. These states are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Haryana. However, official holiday statement is awaited in Punjab as well. Some of these states have also declared public holiday on November 25. It needs to be noted that Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom is officially commemorated on November 24 by the Sikhs, however, these states have announced holidays on November 25. The martyrdom day is also known as Shaheedi Diwas.

Delhi Holidays:

The Delhi government has officially declared November 25 as school, public and government holiday for Shaheedi Diwas. This means all Delhi government schools and private schools will be closed on Tuesday.

Apart from this, government offices will also be closed on November 25. Additionally, Delhi government has announced big events from November 23rd to November 25th on Red Fort including tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur's life and teachings, Kirtan Darbars and Light-and-sound shows.

Uttar Pradesh Holidays:

To align with 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Uttar Pradesh state has shifted the Shaheedi Diwas to November 25 from November 24. Accordingly, all schools and government offices will be closed on Tuesday as well. Just like Delhi, UP is also organising cultural programs for the event.

The chief minister Yogi Adityanath, encouraged citizens of UP to remember and learn from Tegh Bahadur's teachings. Tegh Bahadur was wise, courageous, and fearless and sacrificed his life for the rights of humanity. He was renowned spiritual scholar and poet whose knowledge spanned across vedas, the Upanishads, and the Puranas.

Haryana Holidays:

This state declared a restricted holiday. This means that schools and colleges can decide whether they want a holiday on November 25 or not. Same is applied on government offices.

As per reports, many schools may stay closed on Tuesday, and private schools are also likely to follow suit.

Notably, Haryana has also announced its biggest and grand event in Kurukshetra, where devotees and citizens are expected to gather and honour Tegh Bahadur's life and his legacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Kurukshetra for blessings of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Other ministers and dignitaries, along with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini are expected to visit the event.

Punjab Holiday:

Tegh Bahadur's history is deeply rooted in the Sikh-majority state Punjab. A large-scale event is being organised at Sri Anandpur Sahib, with light-and-sound history show in Patalia, and a 3-days celebrations across districts to align with the 350th anniversary of the Guru.

However, Punjab is yet to announce any school or public holiday on November 25. Reports said that schools may be closed from November 23rd to November 25th, but official statement is awaited.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day:

Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, in Delhi, India. Sikh holy premises Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi mark the places of execution and cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur. His day of martyrdom (Shaheedi Divas) is commemorated in India every year on 24 November, as per Wikipedia.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was born in Amritsar on April 1, 1621, and was the youngest son of the sixth guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind. His family came from Sodhi clan of Khatris. After being selected as the ninth guru in August 1664, Tegh Bahadur traveled extensively in different parts of the subcontinent, including Dhaka and Assam. He preached about the values and teachings of Guru Nanak, who is the first guru of sikhs.

Over the years, India remembers Tegh Bahadur's courage and sheer will to protect humanity. He was considered as principled and fearless warrior. Tegh Bahadur has composed about 116 shabads and 15 ragas which are included in the Adi Granth and taught through the history among Sikh community.