Veer Bal Diwas 2023, PM Modi to Visit Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi

Veer Baal Diwas

The Veer Bal diwas is celebrated on 26th December every year in the memory of the four Sahibzadas of Sikh spiritual leader Guru Gobind Singh. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is going to take part in the ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ program on 26th December 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister will lead a youth march through Delhi on this significant day. In celebration of this occasion, a digital exhibition explaining the life and sacrifices of the Sahibzades will be showcased in schools and childcare institutions nationwide. The government has also organised interactive events all over the country to inform and aware the people, especially young kids, about the story of the exemplary courage of the ‘sahibzades’ who sacrificed their lives while defending their faith.

Veer Baal Diwas 2023

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared 26th December as Veer Bal Diwas in memory of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons.

• The announcement aims to pay tribute to the courage of the four Sahibzadas of Sikh spiritual leader Guru Gobind Singh.
• The Sahibzadas, especially Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, are remembered for their martyrdom in the 17th Century, reportedly at the behest of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
• The decision to commemorate Veer Bal Diwas follows the Prime Minister’s tribute to the tenth Sikh Guru on Parkash Purab on 09th January.
• Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Veer Bal Diwas is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their unwavering commitment to justice.

Also, Read – Shaheed Udham Singh Jayanti 2023.

Veer Baal Diwas History

• Guru Gobind Singh, Sikh leader in Mughal-ruled Punjab, had four sons known as Char Sahibzade Khalsa.
• In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth with the aim of safeguarding Sikhs from religious discrimination.
• The Khalsa was formed to protect the Sikh community and uphold their religious rights.
• Guru Gobind Singh had four sons named Ajit, Jujhar, Zorawar, and Fateh, all actively involved in the Khalsa.
• Unfortunately, all four sons were tragically killed by the Mughal army before reaching the age of 19, reflecting their sacrifice for the Khalsa cause.

Story of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh

As per the records of Indian history, Aurangzeb had captured Anandpur Sahib in present-day Punjab in 1704, after holding the fort for months, food and other essential supplies started to diminish. The Sikhs were left with the only option of giving up the fortress of Anandpur. Following that, Guru Gobind Singh adhered to the demands of the Mughals and left the town. However, the Mughals did not follow the condition and went after them.

Mughals captured the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh, age 8 and Fateh Singh, age 5. They were taken to Sirhind in the presence of nawab Wazir Khan, who demanded that they convert to Islam in return for safe passage. Both of them did not accept the demands and were sentenced to death, burying them alive in a wall, the place which is now known as Fatehgarh Sahib.