VEER BAAL DIWAS

• Veer Baal Diwas is a Sikh festival commemorating the sacrifice of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The sons, who were aged between 6 and 9, were martyred by the Mughals on December 26, 1704, at the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib.
• In 1704, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered an attack on Anandpur Sahib, the Sikh holy city. The Sikhs held out for several months but were eventually forced to flee. The Mughals treacherously violated a treaty with the Sikhs and attacked the retreating Sikhs, leading to the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.
• Veer Baal Diwas is a significant day in Sikh history. It is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who died defending their faith and their people. The festival also celebrates the importance of family and community in Sikhism.
• Veer Baal Diwas is celebrated by Sikhs all over the world. In India, the festival is a public holiday. Sikhs gather at gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to commemorate the martyrdom of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh. Prayers are offered, kirtan (Sikh hymns) are sung, and stories of the martyrs are told.

3. What led to the attack on Anandpur Sahib?

The attack on Anandpur Sahib in 1704 was a complex event fueled by several factors, including:

Political Tensions

• Guru Gobind Singh's stance: As the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh established Anandpur Sahib as a centre of Sikh learning and military power. His refusal to pay tribute and advocacy for religious freedom challenged Mughal authority, creating friction with Emperor Aurangzeb.
• Shifting alliances: Some hill rajas, initially allies with Guru Gobind Singh, later sided with the Mughals for personal gain. This betrayal weakened Sikh defences and paved the way for the attack.

Religious Intolerance

• Aurangzeb's policies: His reign was marked by growing intolerance towards non-Muslims. Forced conversions and temple destruction alienated the Sikh community, escalating religious tensions.
• Sikh defiance: Guru Gobind Singh actively opposed these policies, further deepening the conflict with the Mughal Empire.

Strategic Considerations

• Mughal expansion: Aurangzeb sought to expand his empire and suppress any potential threats, including the rising Sikh power. Anandpur Sahib's strategic location and growing influence made it a target.
• Military advantage: The Mughals possessed superior numbers and firepower, which they believed would give them a decisive edge in the conflict.

4. About Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Guru of Sikhism, was a remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on history. Born in Patna, Bihar, in 1666, Gobind Singh witnessed the turbulent times of Mughal rule and religious persecution. His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was martyred defending religious freedom, and Gobind Singh ascended the spiritual throne at the tender age of nine. Facing constant threats from the Mughals, Gobind Singh established Anandpur Sahib as a centre of learning and military training. He instilled a spirit of courage and self-reliance in the Sikh community.

Philosophy and Teachings

• Khalsa: His most significant contribution was the creation of the Khalsa, a baptized Sikh warrior community. The Khalsa embodies the ideals of equality, justice, and unwavering faith.
• Five Ks: He introduced the Five Ks (Kesh, Kanga, Kirpan, Kaccha, Kara) as symbols of Sikh identity and commitment to their faith. These symbols represent spiritual purity, courage, self-defence, humility, and divine unity.
• Universal Brotherhood: Gobind Singh emphasized the concept of Sarbat Khalsa, meaning the entire Sikh community as one. He advocated for interfaith harmony and respect for all religions.

Literary Contributions

• Dasam Granth: He compiled the Dasam Granth, a collection of hymns and poems, which continues to inspire Sikhs today.
• Zafarnama: His letter to Aurangzeb, Zafarnama, is a powerful treatise on justice and religious freedom.

Contributions to Sikhism

• Formalization of Sikh Religion: Gobind Singh standardized Sikh rituals and practices, establishing the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Sikh Guru.
• Transformation of Sikh Community: He transformed the Sikhs from a peaceful community into a formidable force capable of defending their faith. His teachings laid the foundation for the vibrant Sikh culture and identity we see today.

Legacy

Guru Gobind Singh's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of Sikhs worldwide. His courage, wisdom, and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations. His creation of the Khalsa and his teachings on equality and religious freedom remain relevant even today.

Source: The Indian Express