Kashmiri Pandits mark Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom with deep gratitude and remembrance.
Kashmiri Pandits and devotees gather at Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi in Srinagar for the 350th martyrdom commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Photo: File)
SRINAGAR: More than 400 Kashmiri Pandits families joined in the 350th martyrdom commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Srinagar. The observance opened with a strong and emotional presence of the Kashmiri Pandit community, whose ancestors had once travelled across the mountains to seek the Ninth Sikh Guru's protection. The two-day observance began at Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi on 18 November with a grand kirtan samagam, setting the tone for a wider series of events that link Kashmir, Punjab and Sikh history through shared memory and gratitude.
The commemoration carries special significance for Kashmiri Pandits, whose historical connection to Guru Tegh Bahadur is central to the narrative of his martyrdom. In the late seventeenth century, when they faced coercion and forced conversions under the Mughal governor of Kashmir, a delegation led by Pandit Kirpa Ram reached Anandpur Sahib to seek the Guru's intervention. Guru Tegh Bahadur's decision to stand for their right to practise their faith without fear eventually led to his arrest and execution in Delhi in 1675. That sacrifice remains a defining moment for the community and continues to shape their reverence for the Guru's legacy.
Held at Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, the commemoration allowed the community to return to a place deeply woven into Sikh history in Kashmir. The shrine is associated with the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, whose visit in the early seventeenth century is linked to one of the most well-known local legends. It is believed that an elderly Kashmiri Pandit woman, blind for years, had woven a chadar as an offering for the Guru. She wished for nothing more than to see him once before her death. According to tradition, Guru Hargobind touched his staff to the ground, causing a spring to emerge, and asked her to wash her eyes with the water. Her sight returned, turning the site into a place remembered for healing and grace. The well associated with this story still draws visitors who recall that blend of devotion and compassion.
The event at Chatti Patshahi brought together communities and leaders from across India. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal joined the sangat as the commemoration opened. Devotional singing was led by Srinagar-based Padma Shri Bhai Harjinder Singh, along with Ragi Mehtab Singh of Jalandhar and Ragi Balwinder Singh Rangeela. The gathering included Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Nihangs and Kashmiri Pandits, all offering prayers to mark the Guru's supreme sacrifice for the protection of religious freedom.
Speaking to the TSG, one family of Kashmiri Pandits from a far off village Kashmir said, "Our family, our ancestors have been forever indebted to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and we have been in practice of coming here at Chatti Patshahi Gurudwara every year on Guru Martyrdom Anniversary".
As the samagam continued through the afternoon and evening, arrangements overseen by the Punjab government ensured livestreaming of the kirtan and facilitation for devotees entering the shrine. Ministers and officials said the observance in Srinagar formed only the opening chapter of a larger statewide programme that culminates at Sri Anandpur Sahib later this week.
From Srinagar, the sacred Nagar Kirtan began its onward journey on 19 November. By the time it entered Punjab at Madhopur, it had already covered difficult terrain. The arrival was marked by a ceremonial salute from a contingent of Punjab Police, while Nihang Singha performed Gatka, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Cabinet minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Pathankot district administration and representatives of local organisations gathered at Madhopur to welcome the procession with a shower of flowers.
From there the Nagar Kirtan proceeded through Sujanpur, Malkapur, Chhoti Nehar, Tank Chowk, Bus Stand Pathankot, Lights Chowk and Mission Chowk, halting at Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School on Mission Road. On 21 November, it will leave for Hoshiarpur, travelling through Simbal Hakk, Chakki bridge, Damtual, Mirthal and the Mansar Toll Plaza before entering the district. The Srinagar Nagar Kirtan covers a total distance of 544 kilometres and will conclude at Sri Anandpur Sahib on 22 November.
