Veer Bal Diwas: Commemorating the Valor of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh
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New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) Each year, December 26 is celebrated as Veer Bal Diwas, a profound occasion to pay tribute to the remarkable bravery and significant sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the last and tenth Sikh Guru. In January 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially recognized this day as a tribute to the Sahibzadas.
The narrative of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, represents one of the most touching and motivational accounts in Sikh history. Their martyrdom in December 1704 symbolizes the highest sacrifice for their beliefs and principles at ages just 9 and 6.
This tale unfolds during the early 18th century in 1704, when Guru Gobind Singh and his family faced the siege of Anandpur Sahib. During their escape, the family was tragically divided. Mata Gujari, the Guru’s esteemed mother, and the young Sahibzadas fell victim to betrayal by a servant named Gangu, who turned them over to the Mughal rulers.
Confined in a cold, open-top tower known as the Thanda Burj in Sirhind (present-day Punjab), the young boys suffered harsh conditions. Nevertheless, Mata Gujari encouraged them to remain strong in their faith, nurturing a spirit of courage and resilience within them.
The Mughal authorities, led by Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind, attempted to shatter their determination. The Sahibzadas were summoned to Wazir Khan's court, where they were offered riches, security, and high positions in return for renouncing their Sikh beliefs and converting to Islam. Yet, despite their tender ages, both Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh firmly rejected the offer. Their steadfast faith and bravery became a beacon of defiance against oppression.
Furious at their rejection, Wazir Khan commanded an unimaginable punishment — the children were to be executed by being buried alive in bricks. This atrocious act aimed to instill fear among those opposing Mughal authority. On December 26, 1704, the Sahibzadas were taken to the execution site. As the bricks encased them within a wall, they remained resolute, reciting Sikh prayers and hymns. Their unwavering spirit inspired and moved those who witnessed the brutality.
Mata Gujari, trapped in the Thanda Burj, succumbed to grief upon learning about their martyrdom but drew comfort from their steadfast faith.
The martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh remains a poignant emblem of faith, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression in Sikhism. Their story embodies the Sikh principle of standing firm against injustice, even amid incredible hardships.
Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually to remember and celebrate their unparalleled sacrifice. Sikhs globally honor the day with prayers, processions, and events emphasizing the significance of defending one’s beliefs, even against overwhelming odds. The legacy of the Sahibzadas continues to motivate millions, serving as a reminder of the strength of faith and courage.
