By Balwant Sanghera

Guru Teg Baadur’s sacrifice was a major historical event. The Mughal ruler at that time, Aurangzeb, wanted just one religion, Islam throughout India. With this objective in mind, he had ordered his officials to do whatever they could to convert non-Muslims into Islam. This resulted in fear and intimidation of Hindus as Islam and Hinduism were the two main religions in India at that time. This campaign of forcible conversions into Islam reached Kashmir before long. The Kashmiris Pandits felt very insecure and threatened with this on-going campaign. Consequently, they were looking for a suitable leader/ saviour who could help them. With this expectation and hope, they undertook the long journey to Anandpur Sahib and pleaded with Guru Teg Bahadur ji for help. Guru ji agreed to take up their cause knowing full well the consequences. Accompanied by many of his devotees, Guru ji started his journey to Delhi in November ,1675. 

Aurangzeb did everything in his power including torture to convince Guru Teg Bahadur ji to convert to Islam. Ultimately, Aurangzeb tortured Guru ji’ and his devotees, including Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dyala ji to death. This sacrifice was unique in many ways. First, Guru Teg Bahadur ji knew what Aurangzeb had in mind even before he began his journey from Anandpur Sahib to Delhi. Second, it may be the only tragic incident in history where the body of Guru ji was cremated in Delhi at the site of the present Gurdwara Rakab Ganj by Lakhi Shah and his head was cremated in Anandpur sahib by his son Guru Gobind Singh ji. Third, it may be the only incident in history where Guru ji sacrificed himself to protect another religion. Because of all of this, Guru Teg Bahadur ji is fondly honoured and remembered as the protector, defender, cover and shield of not only Hinduism but all human rights.  

Guru Teg Bahadur ji believed that this universe is like a flower garden-the Orchard-meaning humanity is one. Diversity is the law of Nature. Like an orchard the world is made up of people of different colours shapes and sizes. No two people are exactly like each other. As such, everyone should have the right to follow his or her own religion of choice. He challenged the concept of One Religion and gave up his life to defend it. That is why Guru Teg Bahadur ji is considered as Hind di Chadar or Manukhta (Humanity) di chadar.Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike are paying tribute to Gur Teg Bahadur ji for defending the human rights more than 350 years ago. Around the globe, including Metro Vancouver, Gurdwaras paid their respects to Guru ji on this special day. At India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas #5 Road in Richmond the Gurdwara management and the Sangat observed this special day with dedication and respect on Sunday, November 30.  

The day began with Bhog of the Akhand Paath that started on Friday, November 28. After the Bhog and Ardas, the Gurdwara’s kirtani jatha did kirtan and shared with the congregation the significance of Guru Teg Bahadur’s sacrifice. Secretary Balwant Sanghera gave a brief talk about Guru Teg Bahadur ji leading to his sacrifice in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. Two young devotees-Ajai Singh and Fateh Singh- shared two melodious  Shabads with the congregation relating to Guru ji. Avtar Singh Deol shared a lovely poem about Guru ji’s sacrifice with the audience. Sanghera then thanked everyone and invited the Sangat to   a delicious vegetarian langar in the Langar Hall.  

Balwant Sanghera is the Secretary, India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas – 8600 #5 Road, Richmond, BC, Canada.