Veer Bal Diwas is observed in Bharat in commemoration of the sacrifice made by Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons (Chote Sahibzade) of Guru Gobind Singh. Even though the actual date of the martyrdom, having been recorded in the Bikrami calendar, keeps changing in relation to the Western calendar, the Government of India has fixed the commemoration on December 26 every year. The initiation of the commemoration was done on January 9, 2022 through a declaration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.
6 Poh, Bikrami, which was on December 19, marked the beginning of the Shaheedi (Martyrdom) week of Sikh history. During this week, the Sikhs, under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh, displayed valour and sacrifice that has no parallels in the history of the world.
Subjected to Barbaric Torture
It was also the saddest week for the Sikhs who lost most revered members of the family of the Guru and his faithful followers. The most heart-rending martyrdom was that of the Chote Sahibzade on 13 Poh Bikrami. They were tortured and murdered in the most horrific and ruthless manner by Wazir Khan, Mughal Governor of Sirhind.
Guru Gobind Singh along with his family and Sikh devotees left Anandpur Sahib on oath and promise of protection given in the name of Aurangzeb. These oaths were immediately broken and the Guru along with his family and warriors was attacked near a place called Shahi Tibbi.
The Mughal army and state forces led by the Rajas of the hill states, then pursued the Sikhs towards River Sarsa. The forces joined the battle at several points and the Sikhs, though totally outnumbered, managed to cross the River Sarsa.
Inhuman Conversion Tactics
Sadly, Chote Sahibzade, aged nine and seven years respectively, and their grandmother, Mata Gujar Kaur, got separated from the main contingent. However, they were handed over to the Sirhind administration of the Mughals.
Wazir Khan, Governor of Sirhind, who had failed to kill or capture Guru Gobind Singh despite his huge forces, was a defeated and frustrated man. He was filled with fear at the prospect of the Guru’s reprisal. It was against this backdrop of fear and frustration that he attempted to convert the captured Sahibzade to Islam.
Wazir Khan subjected them to the worst forms of torture and intimidation. He kept their grandmother and them in a Thanda Burj (a cold tower) that was designed to capture the cool night breezes of air drawn over water channels.
Khan forced Sahibzade to face a trial in his court which lasted for two days. On the first day, Sahibzade were cajoled to embrace Islam and offered immense riches and power if they agreed to do so. They rejected the offer with disdain, leaving Wazir Khan flustered and very angry.
On the next day in court, he tried to pass off the sentencing to Sher Mohammad Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla, whose two brothers had been killed in battle by Guru Gobind Singh. Sher Mohammad Khan exhibited chivalry by refusing to take revenge from ladies and children, and advised Wazir Khan to release the Sahibzade and their grandmother.
Finally, Wazir Khan committed the most gruesome act, which goes against all tenets of honour and principle. On 13 Poh, he declared that the two innocent boys to be enemies of the Mughal empire and ordered them to be bricked alive. Before the execution, the princes were again asked by the Qazi to convert to Islam but they, like their grandfather, Guru Tegh Bahadur, categorically refused and hence, the execution was ordered to be carried out.
Wazir khan and his mughal army first incarcerated both Sahibzade into a wall. The wall, however, broke down before the boys lost their breath and then Wazir Khan ordered the executioners to slit the throats of the young princes
They were first incarcerated into a wall. The wall, however, broke down before the boys lost their breath and then Wazir Khan ordered the executioners to slit the throats of the young princes. On hearing the news of the martyrdom, their grandmother, Mata Gujar Kaur also breathed her last. The manner in which the two Sahibzade stood against savagery, injustice and discrimination has no parallel in the annals of history. The courage and fortitude exhibited by the young princes galvanised the punjabi community into rising against persecution and injustice.
December 23, 2023, marks the first commemoration of the bravery of the Sahibzade after declaration of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ in their remembrance. On that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally attended the ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ commemoration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He addressed a youth congregation and flagged off a march-past. ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ is the symbol of going to any extent for the protection of Bharatiyata,” said PM Modi while addressing the event.
The Union Ministry of Culture organised an essay writing competition with an aim to introduce children to the historical acts of courage and patriotism of the Sahibzade. The competition received 3494 entries from different age groups and across different States. The top three winners received a cash prize.
Special events were organised in all states of the country where the message of peace, sacrifice, and martyrdom was sent out by many leaders and dignitaries. To educate citizens, especially children, about the exemplary courage of the Sahibzade, various participatory programmes, digital exhibitions, film screenings, and online competitions were organised nationwide. Surely, the Government and non-Government organisations and institutions will commemorate the sober day with a number of befitting activities this year too. Traditionally, this is holiday time when all people immerse themselves in festivities, especially with Christmas also being celebrated around the same time. But alongside, time should be earmarked to commemorate ‘Veer Bal Diwas’. All Bharatiyas should participate in the commemorative activities in some form or the other.
Most importantly, the younger generation should be narrated the saga of sacrifice for the cause of the nation and all humanity to motivate them towards building high moral fibre and character and preparing them for the service of their nation.
