Sikh · 23 December 2026
Shaheedi of the Sahibzade
साहिबज़ादों की शहादत
The four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji, martyred in December 1704–05.
Why it is celebrated
In the last week of December Sikhs remember the martyrdom of the Guru’s sons — the elder two at Chamkaur, the younger two and their grandmother at Sirhind. India keeps 26 December as Veer Bal Diwas.
The story behind it
After leaving Anandpur Sahib, the family was scattered. The elder Sahibzade, Ajit Singh (17) and Jujhar Singh (13), fell fighting a vast army at the mud fortress of Chamkaur. The younger, Zorawar Singh (9) and Fateh Singh (6), were captured with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji and brought before Wazir Khan at Sirhind; offered their lives if they gave up their faith, they refused and were bricked alive. Mata Gujri Ji passed away in the cold tower (Thanda Burj). Seth Todar Mal bought the land for their cremation by covering it with gold coins.
How to celebrate
- Attend the Shaheedi Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib or kirtan at a gurdwara
- Many families sleep on the floor and avoid celebrations this week
- Tell children the story of the Sahibzade’s courage
- Serve in the langar in their memory
More from this calendar
Guru Nanak Dev JiGuru Angad Dev JiGuru Amar Das JiGuru Ram Das JiGuru Arjan Dev JiGuru Hargobind Sahib JiGuru Har Rai Sahib JiGuru Har Krishan Sahib JiGuru Tegh Bahadur JiGuru Gobind Singh JiSri Guru Granth Sahib JiVaisakhi · Khalsa Sajna DivasHola MohallaBandi Chhor DivasMaghi · Chali MukteSangrandMasya (Amavas)Puranmashi
📅 Full festival calendar →Muhurat finder →Find a baby name →