From the year 2022 onward, 26th December is being celebrated as “Veer Bal Diwas”. During an important announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country will now observe Veer Bal Diwas every year on 26th December in remembrance of two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It will be a great tribute to the courage and pursuit of the Sahibzadas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for paying tributes to great personalities. Now, under his leadership, the NDA government is all set to honor Guru Gobind Singh and his sons also known as Sahibzade. Go through this post to know to complete details related to the Veer Bal Diwas 2023.
What the Indian Prime Minister Announced?
The Prime Minister made an announcement of “Veer Bal Diwas” through his official Twitter account. In his tweet, the PM praised the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Gujari, and his sons Sahibazades.
On 26th December 1705, two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji aged 9 years and 6 years attained martyrdom at the hand of Mughals. The tweets of the Prime minister are as follows.
Declaration of “Veer Bal Diwas”
“Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this, 26 December shall be marked as “Veer Bal Diwas”. This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice”.
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Remembering the ideals of Bravery
“The bravery of and ideals of Mata Gujari, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them”.
Story of Sahibzadas
There were four sons of the 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh (1687 – 1705)
- Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (1691 – 1705)
- Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (1696 – 1705)
- Sahibzada Fateh Singh (1699 – 1705)
Just like their father, they were also full of courage. The young and innocent boys, Sahibzada (Prince) Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh attained martyrdom on 26, December 1705, when they were brutally tortured and murdered by Wazir Khan the Mughal Governor of Sirhind.
The struggle started from the Anandpur Sahib Fort. It was the time when the war between Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughal army was going on for several months. Guru Ji has amazing courage and he was not at all ready to give up. Even Aurangzeb was in shock by seeing his spirit. In the end, Aurangzeb has to opt for the policy of diplomacy to defeat Guru Ji. So, he wrote a letter to the Guruji and wrote “I swear by the Quran, if you vacate the fort of Anandapur, I will let you go here without any hindrance.”
Guruji has some intuition that Aurangzeb might go back to his word. Still, he agrees to leave the fort. The intuitions of the guruji were correct. Soon, the Mughal army attacked Guruji and his army. A long battle took place on the bank of the river Sarsa and Guruji’s family got separated.
Bade Sahibzade crossed the rive Sarsa with Guruji and reached Chamkaur Sahib Garhi. At the same time, two younger Sahibzade Zorawar Singh and Sahibzade Fateh Singh left with their grandmother Gujri Devi. Overcoming all difficulties in the forest, the younger Sahibzade stayed in a cave with their grandmother. Gangu who was a brahmin and a servant of the langar and got information about this. He brought everyone to his house. Gangu betrayed Guruji due to his greed for money. First, Gangu stole the ashrafis of the mother and then informed the Kotwal that Mataji and Sahibzade were staying with him.
As a result, Kotwal imprisoned the younger Sahibzade and Mataji. The next morning they were taken to the police station in Sirhand. In Sirhind, Sahibzadas and Mataji were kept in such a cool place but they stood firm and did not bow their heads. The next day, Nawab Wazir Khan tried to lure Sahibzade and ask them to change their religion. But, Sahibzade refused and said they love their religion.
The nawab got furious after hearing replies and said that they will get punished and they are children of a rebel. The Qazi present on the spot issued a fatwa. In this fatwa, it was written that these children are revolting and they should be elected alive in the wall.
The next day, many spoke to Sahibzade and ask them to adopt Islam. However, Sahibzade refused and remained firm on their point. Frustrated Nawab, ordered execution of the Fatwa. As a result, both Sahibzade made to stand in the wall being built and executioners started building the wall. When the wall reaches the chest of the Sahibzade, he was again asked to accept Islam. But, Sahibzade again refused and remain firm to their point of view. After some time, both sahibzade fainted and attained martyrdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veer Bal Diwas is being celebrated on 26th December 2023.
This day is celebrated to honour two younger sons of Guru Gobin Singh Ji i.e. Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (1696 – 1705), Sahibzada Fateh Singh (1699 – 1705).
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi made the official announcement regarding the celebration of Veer Bal Diwas.
The prime minister announced about the celebration of Veer Bal Diwas on 9th January 2022.
Schools may be asked to conduct special sport events for 6-12 age group children on this day. Education ministry / sports ministry / P.M office may give one prize each to a school announcing veerebal of the year!