On January 9, 2022, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that December 26 would be celebrated as “Veer Baal Diwas”. The day will be celebrated to pay tribute to Sahibzades, that is, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

Why December 26?

It was on the same day Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh attained martyrdom. They were sealed alive in wall. They preferred death rather than following a non – dharmic path. The four Sahibzades never bowed to injustice. They wanted to create a harmonious world.

Sahibzades

Sahibzade in Punjabi means sons. The term is usually used to refer to the four sons of the Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh. He was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. His birth anniversary is celebrated on January 9 every year. His four sons were Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

Chotta Sahibzade

The younger pair of the sons were called the Chotta Sahibzade. They were martyred by the Mughals together. Sahibzada Fateh Singh was less than six years old. Shahibzada Zorawar Singh was eight years old. They were bricked alive by the Mughals. Even at such tender age they refused to bow down to the Mughals. The Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib marks the execution of the Sahibzades. It is located in Sirhind.

Vaada Sahibzade and Zafarnamah

The older sons of Guru Gobind Singh are called Vaada Sahibzade. Baba Arjit Singh and Jujhar Singh died in the second Battle of Chamkaur. They died in the age of 18 and 14 respectively. The battle was fought between the Khalsa army led by Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughal Army on the order of Aurangazeb. The battle was fought in December 1704. Guru Gobind Singh refers to the battle as Zafarnamah.

Sangat

The Sahibzades died between December 21 and December 26. Every year, the Sikhs observe Sangat during this period. Sangat in Punjabi means company or association. During this time, the Sikhs chant hymns and perform kirtans.