Veer Bal Diwas is a significant day observed nationwide in India, honoring the remarkable courage displayed by young children throughout Indian history. This day pays tribute to the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who laid down their lives to uphold their faith and principles.
Celebrated annually on December 26, Veer Bal Diwas marks the martyrdom of two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. In 1705, they were executed by Mughal authorities for refusing to abandon their faith. The observance was officially declared by the Government of India in 2022, aiming to educate children and youth about the values of dharma (righteousness), courage, and sacrifice.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, was a spiritual leader, warrior, poet, and philosopher. He established the Khalsa Panth in 1699, which transformed Sikhism into a community rooted in equality, justice, and resistance against tyranny. He had four sons, collectively referred to as the Sahibzadas:
During the early 18th century, the Mughal Empire intensified its persecution against Sikhs in Punjab, targeting Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family due to their defiance against religious oppression.
In 1705, during the siege of Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was separated from his family. His two elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (18 years) and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (14 years), attained martyrdom while bravely fighting against the Mughal forces at the Battle of Chamkaur. Their sacrifice symbolizes valour, duty, and resistance, even in overwhelming circumstances.
The heart-wrenching events continued when Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mother, Mata Gujri, was captured alongside the two younger Sahibzadas, Zorawar Singh (9 years) and Fateh Singh (7 years). They were imprisoned at Sirhind by the Mughal governor, Wazir Khan, and faced immense pressure to convert to Islam. Despite their young age, they steadfastly refused to renounce Sikhism. As punishment, they were bricked alive in a wall, and upon its collapse, they were executed. Upon learning of her grandsons' martyrdom, Mata Gujri also passed away, marking this event as one of the most tragic yet inspiring moments in Indian history.
The announcement of Veer Bal Diwas in 2022 aimed to:
On this day, schools, colleges, gurudwaras, and cultural institutions organize seminars, storytelling sessions, exhibitions, and debates.
Message: Courage, truth, and faith transcend fear.
Q1. What is the significance of Veer Bal Diwas?
Answer: Veer Bal Diwas commemorates the courage and sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, promoting values of righteousness and bravery among the youth of India.
Q2. When is Veer Bal Diwas celebrated?
Answer: Veer Bal Diwas is celebrated annually on December 26, marking the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Q3. Who announced Veer Bal Diwas?
Answer: The Government of India officially announced Veer Bal Diwas in 2022 to honor the sacrifices made by the Sahibzadas and educate the youth about their significance.
Q4. How is Veer Bal Diwas observed in India?
Answer: Various institutions organize seminars, storytelling sessions, debates, and exhibitions to commemorate the day and instill the values of courage and faith in students.
Q5. What values does Veer Bal Diwas promote?
Answer: Veer Bal Diwas promotes values of courage, fearlessness, faith, and moral strength, encouraging young individuals to uphold these principles in their lives.
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