About Veer Baal Diwas:
- It is annually observed on December 26 every year since 2022.
- It is commemorated to honour the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, the sons of 10th Guru Govind Singh Ji.
- Background:
- Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and disciples, were compelled to flee as the Mughal Army encircled the Anandpur fort.
- During the chaos, Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were captured by the Mughal forces.
- The two young boys courageously refused to abandon their faith, and consequently, Wazir Khan ordered them to be bricked alive around December 26, 1705.
- Exemplifying bravery and loyalty to their religion, Government of India in 2022 declared to mark December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas annually to honour and remember their sacrifice.
Who was Guru Gobind Singh?
- Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh Guru, following the demise of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Guru.
- Contributions to Sikh religion:
- He is renowned for founding the principles of Khalsa or the Five ‘K’s viz. kesh (uncut hair), kangha (wooden comb), kara (iron or steel bracelet), kirpan (dagger) and kachera (short breeches).
- He fought against the Mughals in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705.
- He declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's holy scripture in 1708, before his death.
