The North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in coordination with the Gurudwara Management Committee, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, commenced a two-day commemorative programme on 25 July 2026 marking the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at the Historical Gurudwara Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Mandi.
The first day's proceedings began with the inauguration of an exhibition dedicated to the life, teachings and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The exhibition, which will remain open to the public from 25 to 31 July 2026, was formally inaugurated by Shri Chandra Parkash, SDM, Sadar Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, eminent scholars and revered religious personalities. The week-long exhibition seeks to spread awareness of the Guru Sahib's invaluable contributions and his teachings of universal brotherhood, religious freedom, selfless service and supreme sacrifice for the protection of humanity. The programme featured Gurbani Kirtan, creating an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual serenity.
The first day also featured a thought provoking seminar bringing together eminent scholars, academicians and religious personalities from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The distinguished speakers included Dr. Palwinder Kaur, Patiala, Punjab; Sant Visheshvar Singh Ji, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh; Sant Harpal Singh Ji, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh; Dr. Parvinder Singh, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh; Dr. Tejinderpal Singh, Patiala, Punjab; and S. Harbant Singh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The speakers dwelt at length on the life, philosophy and unparalleled martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
The first day's proceedings concluded with a Dhadi Gayan presentation by Bhai Jaswinder Singh Ji, Hazuri Dhadi, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar. People from all walks of life from the surrounding areas attended the programme in large numbers.
The second day, 26 July 2026, will carry forward the observance with further devotional and cultural presentations at the venue, continuing the spirit of remembrance and reflection on the Guru's life and teachings.
This programme in Mandi is part of the year-long nationwide commemoration launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to mark the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Under this commemoration, similar programmes are being organised across the country through Zonal Cultural Centres and partner institutions, reaffirming the Guru's eternal message of universal brotherhood, religious freedom and supreme martyrdom in the service of humanity.
