The Delhi government has announced that 25 November will be a public holiday, dedicated to the Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru whose martyrdom stands as one of the most powerful symbols of courage and freedom of faith in Indian history.
The declaration transforms what was earlier meant to be a restricted holiday into a full public holiday. The city will host a large gathering of devotees and community organisations observing the 350th Shaheedi Diwas. Events and prayers have been underway at prominent locations, including the Red Fort, where thousands have been paying homage over the past three days.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while announcing the decision, said Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life continues to remind us of the value of standing up for others, even when it comes at a great personal cost. She added that this day is not only important for Sikh communities but is a moment of reflection for the nation as a whole.
With the new notification, all Delhi government offices, public schools, and departments will remain closed on Tuesday. Essential services, including emergency healthcare facilities, public transport, and utility services, will operate without interruption. The Delhi Metro and city buses will run on their regular schedules to ensure commuters are not inconvenienced. Banks, however, will remain open as they follow the RBI’s regional holiday calendar.
The holiday holds particular emotional weight for Sikh families in the national capital, home to many historical sites linked to the Guru’s legacy. Delhi’s Gurdwaras are preparing for large footfalls, and several langars, prayer services, and historical exhibitions have been planned through the day.
Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in 1675 after refusing to renounce his faith and defending the right of others to practise theirs. His martyrdom is remembered as an act of immense spiritual and moral resolve. For many in Delhi, the holiday marks not just a day of remembrance but a chance to reconnect with values of tolerance, sacrifice and unity.
