In Pics: Shaheedi Nagar Kirtan held from Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib to honour Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji
Babushahi Bureau
Sri Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), December 27, 2025: The annual Shaheedi Nagar Kirtan commemorating the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji—Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji—and Mata Gujri Ji was held with deep reverence and Panthic unity at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on Friday.
The sacred procession was led by Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, who was seen prominently alongside Head of the historic Damdami Taksal, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, reflecting the confluence of Sikh temporal authority and the centuries-old Gurmat scholarly tradition.
Organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) with the support of Sikh organisations, religious bodies and the Sangat, the Shaheedi Nagar Kirtan commenced from Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib after the recitation of Japji Sahib and proceeded to Gurdwara Sri Jyoti Saroop Sahib, where it concluded with Ardas following the recitation of Kirtan Sohila, in accordance with long-standing Sikh traditions.
Lakhs of devotees from across the country participated in the Nagar Kirtan, paying homage to the supreme sacrifices of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji. The presence of Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, head of Damdami Taksal—an institution established by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and revered as a centre of Sikh theology, scriptural exegesis and Panthic discipline—alongside Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj sent a strong message of collective leadership, spiritual continuity and Panthic cohesion.
Before the commencement of the Nagar Kirtan, Asa Di Vaar Kirtan was performed at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. Chief Granthi Giani Harpal Singh shed light on the life, courage and martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji, inspiring the Sangat to imbibe their values of steadfast faith and sacrifice.
Following the congregational recitation of Japji Sahib, Giani Harpal Singh offered Ardas, and the Sangat listened to the Holy Hukamnama recited by Granthi Singh Sahib of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Parvinderpal Singh. On this occasion, Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj and SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami honoured the Panj Pyares and Nishanchi Singhs with Siropas.
During the Nagar Kirtan, various Gatka Akharas demonstrated the traditional Sikh martial art of Gatka, paying tribute to the Sahibzadas through displays of discipline and bravery. A large number of school students also participated, while Raagi Jathas performed Gurbani Kirtan throughout the procession. The Sangat continuously chanted the Gurmantra and Moolmantra, creating an atmosphere of devotion along the entire route. Numerous Sabha-Societies and devotees welcomed the Nagar Kirtan with floral showers and arranged various types of Langar.
Prior to the Nagar Kirtan, Sri Akhand Path Sahib was performed at Gurdwara Sri Jyoti Saroop Sahib in memory of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji. Following the conclusion of the procession, a Gurmat Samagam was organised at Gurdwara Sri Jyoti Saroop Sahib, where renowned Raagi Jathas connected the Sangat with Gurbani Kirtan. The Path of Sohila Sahib was recited by Giani Parvinderpal Singh, while the concluding Ardas was performed by Giani Harpal Singh.
Addressing the Sangat, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and become torchbearers of Sikh values, Bani and Bana. He said that while oppressive regimes believed that Sikhism would end with the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, history proved that bodies can be destroyed but Sikh ideology cannot be erased. He emphasised that the massive gatherings of the Khalsa Panth reflect the deep reverence Sikhs hold for the Sahibzadas.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj further stated that Gurdwaras remain the spiritual centres of the Sikh faith and that their management has always rested with the Panth.
He asserted that the Panth has taken and will continue to take decisions under the guidance and patronage of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He appealed to the Sikh community to remain vigilant against any interference in Panthic affairs and urged the government to respect the sentiments of the Sangat, including the longstanding demand for a ban on drugs across Punjab during the martyrdom days of the Sahibzadas.
Among the prominent personalities present were SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami; Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh; Head of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal Baba Balbir Singh (96th Crore); Head of Tarna Dal Harian Velan Baba Nihal Singh; Head of Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Samprada Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh; SGPC Interim Committee Members S. Surjit Singh Garhi, S. Daljit Singh Bhinder, S. Baldev Singh Qaimpur and S. Avtar Singh Riya; Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka; Jathedar Karnail Singh Panjoli; Youth Akali Dal President S. Sarabjit Singh Jhinjar; Member of Parliament S. Amar Singh; MLA S. Kuljit Singh Nagra; and several religious leaders, office-bearers, former Granthis, SGPC officials and Panthic representatives.
The Shaheedi Nagar Kirtan concluded in an atmosphere of solemn devotion and collective resolve, reaffirming the Sikh community’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of sacrifice, faith and Panthic unity exemplified by the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji.