“Veer Baal Diwas” is observed in India on the 26th of December.
Veer Baal Diwas is specifically dedicated to honoring the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh (age 6) and Zorawar Singh (age 9), the young sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. These brave and young souls sacrificed their lives for their faith and principles. The day is observed on 26th December each year to remember and pay tribute to their courage and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, bravery, and devotion in the Sikh tradition.
Baba Fateh Singh holds the distinction of being considered the youngest martyr in the history of the world. His sacrifice, along with that of his brother Zorawar Singh, is a significant and poignant aspect of Sikh history. The two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji faced martyrdom during the turbulent times of the late 17th century, upholding their faith and principles even at such a tender age. Their story is often recounted with reverence in Sikhism to inspire future generations with the values of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to one's beliefs.
"Veer Bal Diwas" on 26th December is part of the efforts to commemorate and honor the sacrifice of the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. The announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9th January 2022 to officially observe this day as "Veer Bal Diwas" further emphasizes the significance of remembering and honoring the bravery and martyrdom of these young souls in Indian history and Sikh tradition. The day serves as a reminder of their courage and sacrifice for the principles they believed in.
Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, were born at Anandpur Sahib. Anandpur Sahib, located in the state of Punjab, India, is a significant and historic place in Sikhism. It holds great importance in Sikh history as a place where several events central to the Sikh faith occurred, including the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's sons. The sacrifices of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji are remembered and revered in Sikh tradition for their bravery and devotion to their principles.
During the fateful battle of Chamkaur on December 7, 1705, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji, were taken into custody by Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar, who were officials at Morinda.
The events at Chamkaur were part of the larger historical context of the challenging times faced by the Sikh community, particularly during the period of the Guru Sahib's battles against the Mughal forces. The capture and subsequent martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who were only 9 and 6 years old respectively, are deeply embedded in Sikh history as symbols of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to their faith.
After their capture during the Battle of Chamkaur, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, along with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji, were dispatched to Sirhind. There, they were imprisoned in the Cold Tower of the Fort. The young Sahibzadas faced immense hardship and persecution during their time in captivity. Despite their tender age, they remained steadfast in their faith and principles, ultimately attaining martyrdom for their refusal to convert to Islam.
The sacrifice of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji holds a significant place in Sikh history and is remembered with reverence during various Sikh commemorations and events. Their courage and resilience are considered exemplary, serving as an inspiration for generations to come.
On December 9, 1705, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji were produced before Nawab Wazir Khan in Sirhind. Despite facing threats of death, the young Sahibzadas remained undaunted and unwavering in their commitment to their faith and principles. Nawab Wazir Khan, in the face of their steadfastness, eventually pronounced the death sentence.
The Sahibzadas' refusal to renounce their Sikh faith and embrace Islam, even under the threat of death, is a testament to their courage and devotion. Their martyrdom is commemorated annually in Sikhism, serving as a source of inspiration for Sikhs around the world. The sacrifices of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji are integral to Sikh history and are remembered with great reverence.
On December 11, 1705, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, were ordered to be sealed alive in a wall during the oppressive rule in Sirhind. However, as the masonry reached chest-high around their tender bodies, it miraculously crumbled.
Following this extraordinary event, the Sahibzadas were sent back to the Cold Tower for the night. This episode is often recounted as a divine intervention in Sikh history, emphasizing the resilience and miraculous protection of these young martyrs. The sacrifices of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji continue to be remembered with deep reverence in Sikh tradition.
On December 12, 1705, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, were martyred by being sealed alive in a wall during the oppressive regime in Sirhind. Despite their tender age, the Sahibzadas displayed immense courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Their sacrifice is a significant and revered event in Sikh history, symbolizing the unwavering commitment to principles and faith. The martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji is commemorated annually with deep respect and solemnity in Sikhism.
The site of Fatehgarh Sahib in Sirhind, where the martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji took place, is now marked by four Sikh shrines. These gurdwaras stand as significant places of pilgrimage and remembrance for Sikhs.
Additionally, an annual religious fair is held at Fatehgarh Sahib from December 25 to December 28 every year to honor the memory of the martyrs. The fair is a solemn and spiritually significant event, drawing devotees and visitors who come to pay their respects and participate in the commemorative activities. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji for their faith.