What is Veer Bal Diwas, its significance, and everything you need to know?

Last year, on the Prakash Purab of Shri Guru Govind Singh, PM Narendra Modi announced December 26 as the Veer Bal Diwas day. This day marks the martyrdom of Shri Guru Govind Singh’s sons, Sahibzaade Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.

The Courage of Younger Sahibzadas:

Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh were born at Anandpur Sahib. Anandpur Sahib, which was the residence of the Guru Gobind Singh dynasty, came under the siege of Mughal armies in 1704. Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa in 1699, a group of devout Sikhs whose mission was to defend people from religious persecution. The Mughals saw Khalsa as a big threat.

On December 7, 1705, the day when the battle of Chamkaur began, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, along with their grandmother, were taken into custody by Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar. On the following day, they were sent to be imprisoned in the Cold Tower (Thanda Burj) of the fort. On December 9, 1705, they were presented in front of the faujdar, Nawab Wazir Khan. The faujdar threatened them with death, but they remained as they were, and he finally gave them a death sentence.

On December 11, the orders were given to seal them alive in a wall. As the masons were doing their work, the wall crumbled after reaching chest height. They were again sent to the Cold Tower.
The next day, on December 12, 1705, Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji were martyred after being sealed alive in the wall.
The courage and heroics of these young Sahibzadas will always be remembered. 

Commemorations Across India

Veer Bal Diwas is observed with great fervor across India, particularly in Punjab and other states with significant Sikh populations. Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) hold special prayer services and programs to commemorate the Sahibzades' sacrifice. Educational institutions organize cultural events, plays, and quizzes to educate young people about their inspiring story.