Renowned preachers recited hymns as thousands of devotees gathered at NTR Stadium at Indira Park on Sunday to observe the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.
| Photo Credit: By Arrangement
Over 10,000 devotees from across Telangana gathered on Sunday to observe the 350th martyrdom day (Shaheedi Divas)of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in a solemn yet vibrant display of devotion. The sprawling NTR Stadium at Indira Park here was transformed into a vast tented hall covered in saffron, yellow and white flowers and decor, setting the tone for a day of remembrance, prayer and community spirit.
From late morning, long queues of devotees formed inside the main pavilion to offer prayers before the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, as renowned preachers recited hymns that echoed through the venue. Hundreds sat cross-legged in prayer, some with folded hands, reflecting on the Guru’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity. Guru Tegh Bahadur, often revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (or the Shield of India) stood firm against oppression and fought for the right of every individual to practice their religion freely.
Historical accounts say Guru Tegh Bahadur came into conflict with the Mughal rulers after he offered protection to a group of Brahmins from Kashmir who had turned to him for help when emperor Aurangzeb ordered them to convert to Islam. Encouraged by his son, Gobind Rai, who succeeded him as guru, the Guru decided to stand up for their right to practise their faith and declared that he would present himself before the emperor. He was arrested on his way to Delhi and was offered wealth and favours if he agreed to convert, but he firmly refused. His martyrdom in 1675 was hailed as a timeless symbol of courage and a defence of the right to practise one’s belief freely.
The NTR Stadium at Indira Park on Sunday.
The mass congregation jointly organised by the management committee of gurudwara in Sitaphalmandi in coordination with major Sikh gurudwaras across Telangana. The event, which began at 11 a.m. and continued till after 5 p.m., featured recitations of religious hymns and sermons by renowned preachers including Bhai Anantvir Singh from the USA, Bhai Gurdev Singh from Australia and Gyani Sher Singh from Ambala (Haryana).
The event marked the culmination of week-long observances. Earlier in the week, a religious procession was carried out across Secunderabad on Tuesday followed by another mass gathering on Saturday night.
The 350th martyrdom anniversary began on a large scale in Delhi with a special light and laser show at the Red Fort. The event illuminated the historic monument with visuals depicting the Guru’s life and sacrifice, drawing thousands of attendees and showcasing national reverence for his legacy.
Volunteers served ‘Guru Ka Langar’, the community kitchen with devotees of all ages and faiths sitting shoulder to shoulder on long mats, symbolising equality and fraternity. Outside the main congregation, stalls offered medical services, educational material and devotional items.
Devotees and organisers alike said the occasion served not only to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice but also to inspire people to uphold values of peace, justice, tolerance and respect for all faiths, principles that remain central to India’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Published – November 30, 2025 06:42 pm IST
