Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Martyrdom Day: Holiday on November 24 or Not in Chandigarh?

Chandigarh is witnessing rising calls for a public holiday on November 24 to mark the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Members of the Sikh community have urged the Union Territory Administration to officially recognise the day, citing its deep spiritual and historical importance.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Charanjit Singh Villi reiterated that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights remains an enduring symbol of courage, compassion, and moral strength. He said the day holds profound significance not only for the people of Chandigarh but for the entire nation, and therefore merits designation as a public holiday.

The appeal has gained strong support from several community organisations and religious leaders, who argue that acknowledging the day would reinforce the ideals of secularism and respect for all faiths.

If approved, the public holiday on November 24 would serve as a lasting tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s unparalleled contribution to India’s history and the nation’s collective conscience.