Gurpurabs
The word Gurpurab is formed from two words: Guru + Purab (derived from Parv in Hindi). Literally, Gurpurab means “a day associated with the Guru.” Sikh festivals or significant days connected with the Sikh Gurus are called Gurpurabs.
Gurpurabs
Gurpurabs are observed to commemorate a Guru’s birth anniversary (Parkash Utsav), death anniversary (Jyoti Jot), succession (Gurgaddi Diwas), or other important events, and are marked with festive celebrations. Observing these anniversaries is a vital part of the Sikh way of life, a tradition encouraged by all Gurus after Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The birthdays of some Bhagats, whose teachings are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, are also celebrated.
Shaheedi Gurpurabs - Martyrdom Days
Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Days): Sikh history is deeply rooted in sacrifice, with countless martyrs laying down their lives for the cause of truth and humanity. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Chaar Sahibzaade, Mata Gujri Ji, and countless other Sikhs gave their lives for the welfare of mankind. Major historic events such as Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Vaisakhi), Bandi Chhor Divas also hold great importance in Sikh tradition.
Namdhari Sikhs commemorate Vasant Panchmi, the birth anniversary of Satguru Ram Singh Ji. He played a pivotal role in socio-religious reforms, including the revival of the Khalsa Panth, conducting the first Anand Karajs (Sikh marriage ceremonies), administering Amrit to women, and inspiring the sacrifices of Namdhari Sikhs in the struggle for India’s freedom and independence.
Namdhari Shaheedi Diwas:
Namdhari Shaheedi Diwas: Satguru Ram Singh Ji’s struggle for independence marked a turning point in world history, for it ultimately sounded the death-knell of colonial rule in the British Empire. The Namdhari Sikhs sacrificed their lives to uphold the sanctity of the Golden Temple, protect cows, and resist the British policy of “divide and rule.”
The Shaheedi Melas held at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Raikot, and Malerkotla commemorate their supreme sacrifices.
The hangings and executions by cannon fire carried out by the British were heinous crimes. Sir Henry Cotton, in his book Indian and Home Memories (p.112), remarked:
“For my part, I can recall nothing during my service in India more revolting and shocking than these executions. There were many who thought as I did, and still think, that the final orders of the establishments were lamentably inadequate.”