Balidan Diwas of Chaar Sahibzade: Remembering Their Supreme Sacrifice

The sacrifice of the Chaar Sahibzade, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, stands as a powerful example of courage, faith, and commitment to righteousness. December 26 is observed as Balidan Diwas to honour their bravery and remember how they stood firm for their beliefs, even in the toughest times.

 

 

 

 

Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa Panth in 1699 to fight against the injustice and oppression of the Mughal rulers. His unwavering resolve to protect the weak and stand for dharma made him a target of the Mughal Empire. This led to a series of battles, including the siege of Anandpur Sahib in 1704. After the siege, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family was separated while crossing the Sarsa River under enemy attack.

 

 

Guru Ji’s elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, accompanied him to Chamkaur, where the famous Battle of Chamkaur took place. The younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, along with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji, were captured by Mughal forces and taken to Sirhind.

 

 

 

 

On December 21, 1704, the elder Sahibzade, Baba Ajit Singh Ji (18) and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji (14), showed extraordinary bravery in the Battle of Chamkaur. Although heavily outnumbered, they fought fearlessly against the Mughal army with just a few Sikh warriors. Baba Ajit Singh Ji led the attack with great skill and courage, while Baba Jujhar Singh Ji followed him with determination to protect their honor. Both attained martyrdom on the battlefield, setting an unforgettable example of courage and sacrifice.

 

 

 

 

The younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (9 years) and Baba Fateh Singh Ji (6 years), were imprisoned in the cold tower of Sirhind along with Mata Gujri Ji. They were presented before Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, and offered wealth, power, and safety in exchange for converting to Islam. However, the young Sahibzade refused to give up their faith.

 

 

On December 26, 1704, Wazir Khan ordered that the two boys be bricked alive. Despite their tender age, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji faced their death with unshakable courage, reciting Sikh prayers. Mata Gujri Ji, who was held in captivity, attained martyrdom the same day, unable to bear the grief of their loss.

 

 

The sacrifices of the Chaar Sahibzade are a cornerstone of Sikh history and remind us that true courage lies in standing for truth, even in the face of insurmountable odds.