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Fateh Divas - Victory Day!
Commemorating the 300th anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur avenging the torture and murder of the younger Sahibzade by capturing Sirhind, and the creation of the first Khalsa Raaj.
One name that shines throughout the pages of Sikh history is that of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. From his first meeting with Guru Gobind Singh where he was blessed with Amrit, to his great and glorious martyrdom, Banda Singh’s story inspires Sikhs to acts of courage and sacrifice to this very day.
The two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji had been captured by the Mughals and given a choice between giving up their Sikhi or death. They happily chose death. These two young brave Singhs were tortured and finally murdered by being bricked alive.
It was during this time of religious oppression and following this savage act of barbarity that the Guru ordered Banda Singh Bahadur to free the people of Panjab from their slavery. It was thus that Banda Singh marched into Panjab carrying the Guru’s Nishan Sahib and Nagara (battle standards and war drum) and took the fight to the Mughal tyrants.
On hearing the tales of atrocities committed against the Sikhs, many others joined the march with Banda Singh, and after a number of battles against the Mughal forces, the Singhs fell upon the city of Sirhind. The rulers of the city and those guilty of torturing the Sahibzade fell to the avenging swords of the Khalsa army and the city was destroyed. Wazir Khan who had overseen the torture was beheaded and had his head thrust on a spear.
On gaining victory, Banda Singh established the first Sikh Raaj and the Khalsa Nishan flew tall and proud over Panjab. The Khalsa established itself as the world’s elite fighting force and with the Guru’s blessings Banda Singh continued to lead the revolution in Panjab.
This historic battle not only demonstrated the military might and courage of the Khalsa army, it showed that those committing crimes against the Sikhs would not and will not be forgotten and that justice, will one day, catch up with them.
Banda Singh Bahadur is not only remembered for his life, but also his death. On finally being captured he refused to give up his faith and after observing that not one of his brother Sikhs gave up their Sikhi but happily gave their lives, he had his eyes gouged, skin flayed and finally chopped into countless pieces. It is the 300th anniversary of these historic events that Sikhs around the world are gathering to celebrate. At Fathegarh Sahib (the place where the Sahibzade were bricked alive) there will be 3 days of celebration attended by hundreds of thousands of Sikhs. In the UK we will be celebrating this Victory by holding an Akhand Paath Sahib at;
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Main Hall Downstairs High Street Smethwick B66 3AP
Arambh: Thursday 13th May 5pm Bhog: Saturday 15th May 5pm followed by mahan smagam After the Bhog, a divan will take place till 12:00 am with kirtan, dhadhi varaan and katha.
Nihang Jathedhar Baba Tirlok Singh Ji will be doing larivaar katha of Banda Singh Bahadur’s life every evening at Smethwick Gurdwara from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm from Monday 10th May with the final victory over Sirhind being done during the Saturday 15th evening smagam.
Note: Transport will be arranged from various places around the UK and details will be released soon.
It is our humble request that you attend this historic program to remember the great sacrifices of our forefathers and to celebrate the victory of righteousness over tyranny. It is because they showed the faith, fearlessness and spirit to stand, resist and fight that we are here today.
So please, join with us and unite as one Panth, one People under one Nishan Sahib.
