As part of the year-long series of events being organised to observe 350 Years of the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), an unit of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, organised a two-day cultural programme near Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Mattan Sahib, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, on 24-25 June 2026.
The inaugural session held on 24 June was graced by Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. The programme commenced with the inauguration of an exhibition dedicated to the life, teachings and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which will remain open for visitors till 30 June 2026. The exhibition attracted a large number of devotees, visitors and students.
A seminar on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was also organised, featuring presentations by scholars including Shri Ajit Singh Mastana, Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn, Dr. Harsimran Singh, Shri Navtej Singh and Shri Satish Vimal. The programme was followed by Dhadi Gayan by Bhai Gursevak Ji and a group from Punjab. People from all walks of life from the surrounding areas, including students from Khalsa High School, Hutmara and Government Higher Secondary School, Mattan, attended the programme.
On 25th June, the second day of the event, the programme commenced with the Parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, creating a devotional atmosphere for the congregation. The religious proceedings featured Shabad Kirtan by Bhai Bhupinder Singh Ji and Bhai Jagtar Singh Ji, Jammu Wale (Hazuri Ragi, Amritsar), followed by Katha Vachan by Bhai Harmeet Singh Ji from Jammu, who highlighted the teachings of the Gurus and the importance of selfless service and righteous living.
Bhai Harbhinder Singh Ji, recently appointed Incharge of Jammu & Kashmir by SGPC, Amritsar, also attended the programme and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the organisers in observing the 350th Year of Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji through such meaningful initiatives.
The exhibition dedicated to the life, teachings and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji continued to draw significant public interest on both days. More than 1,000 devotees and visitors from different walks of life, including students from Khalsa high school, Hutmara and Govt higher secondary school, Mattan and International School, Mattan, Anantnag participated in the programme with great devotion and enthusiasm.
The event concluded with prayers, Guru Ka Langar and tributes to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, remembering his enduring message of courage, sacrifice, religious freedom and service to humanity.
