Vir Bal Diwas

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is Vir Bal Diwas?
• What were the sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh?
• Who was Guru Gobind Singh
• What are some of the notable works of Guru Gobind Singh?

 

 Why in news?

• Recently, the Prime Minister Modi participated in a historic programme marking ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.
• On the first celebration of the Veer Bal Diwas, PM Modi said that concocted narratives were taught in the name of history to infuse inferiority.
• He stressed upon the fact that any country with such a glorious history must be full of self-confidence and self-respect. 
• For this, there is the need to be freed from the narrow interpretation of the past.

 

What is Vir Bal Diwas?

• On 9th January 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
• This was announced to mark the martyrdom of sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh - Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.

 

What were the sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh?

• While two of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were killed fighting the Mughals, two other sons were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind.
  • The two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.
• As per the home minister, incomparable sacrifice and patriotism of the four Sahibzadas and 
  • Mata Gujri to protect the country and religion is the heritage of the country.
• Veer Baal Diwas will be observed on the same day the two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom.

 

Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

• Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet and philosopher. 
  • He was born on January 5, 1666 in Patna Sahib, Bihar in the Sodhi Khatri family of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and his wife Mata Gujri.
• He formally became the leader and protector of the Sikhs at the age of nine after the death of his father.
  • His father was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.

 

What are the notable works of Guru Gobind Singh?

Organised the Sikh community

• He was responsible for institutionalising the Khalsa, who played a significant role in protecting the Sikhs after his death. 
  • The Khalsa warriors had to follow a code of discipline that was introduced by Guru Gobind Singh.
• He commanded the Sikh to wear five items all the time which includes Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan.

 

The Sikh Scriptures

• The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan compiled Sikh scripture by the name of Adi Granth. It contained the hymns of the previous Gurus and may saints.
• Guru Gobind Singh in 1706 released a second edition of the religious scripture with the addition of 
  • one salok, dohra mahala nine ang, and all the 115 hymns of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur. 
  • The rendition was now called Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
• Guru Gobind Singh proclaimed that he was the last of the personal Gurūs. 
  • From that point forward, the Sikh Gurū was to be the holy book, the Ādi Granth.
• He declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's holy scripture in 1708, before his death.

 

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Q1) Who wrote Guru Granth Sahib?

The Guru Granth Sahib, in its present form, was compiled by Guru Gobind Singh, the last Sikh guru, who incorporated the “bani”; of the ninth guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, as well into the Adi Granth and formally installed it as a “guru” at the Takht Damdama Sahib in 1708.

 

Q2) What are the 5 K of Khalsa?

The Five K's are the markers of Sikh identity, and they consist of Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (steel sword).

 

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Source: Fabricated narratives overlooked sacrifice by Guru Gobind’s sons: PM Modi | PIB | The Hindu | Indian Express