Delhi, Punjab, and Chandigarh Set Different Holidays for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary

When Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, announced a public holiday on November 25, 2025, to mark the 350th anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom, she didn’t just issue a day off—she honored a legacy that shaped India’s fight for religious freedom. The decision, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on November 23, 2025, came with a powerful message: "May Guru Sahib’s timeless message of courage, compassion and freedom of faith continue to guide us." But here’s the twist: while Delhi chose November 25, schools in Punjab and Chandigarh are closing on November 20. And no one seems to agree why.

Why the Date Discrepancy?

The confusion isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s rooted in calendar traditions. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on November 11, 1675, in Delhi under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, after refusing to convert to Islam and defending Kashmiri Pandits’ right to worship. But the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) has long been observed on November 24 according to the Nanakshahi calendar, which aligns with lunar phases and historical Sikh reckoning. So why is Delhi picking November 25? And why are Punjab and Chandigarh going with the 20th?

According to The Economic Times, Punjab’s education department issued a closure notice for November 20, 2025, citing "local observance protocols." But the state’s official 2025 holiday list, published earlier this year, doesn’t even mention Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom. Instead, it lists November 5 for Guru Nanak’s birthday and November 16 for Kartar Singh Sarabha’s martyrdom. The absence is glaring. Meanwhile, Times Now News reported that Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were also expected to close on the 24th—adding to the chaos.

Delhi’s Bold Move

Rekha Gupta’s decision to declare November 25—a Monday—as a public holiday is both symbolic and practical. By choosing the day after the traditional November 24 observance, Delhi ensures maximum participation without disrupting the weekend. It also gives government offices, schools, and businesses a clear, single-day closure. For many in the Sikh community, this isn’t just about a day off—it’s about visibility. "This is the first time Delhi has declared a full public holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Shaheedi Diwas," said Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a historian at Delhi University. "It’s a recognition that his sacrifice wasn’t just for Sikhs, but for all Indians who believe in pluralism."

On November 25, Delhi will host a major ceremony at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, where the Guru was beheaded. The event will include a nagar kirtan, poetry recitals, and a speech by the Chief Minister. "We’re not just remembering a death," said Sardar Balwinder Singh, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. "We’re recommitting to the principle he died for: that no one should be forced to abandon their faith."

Punjab’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the silence from the state government is louder than any announcement. The Tribune India reported that the Punjab Education Department sent out closure notices for November 20, but the state’s official holiday calendar doesn’t reflect it. Some officials privately admit they’re waiting for guidance from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which traditionally sets the date. Others say the November 20 date may be tied to local temple calendars in Amritsar and Ludhiana, where the martyrdom is commemorated earlier due to historical migration patterns of Sikh communities.

"We’re not ignoring Guru Tegh Bahadur," said a senior Punjab education official, speaking anonymously. "But we’re caught between tradition, administrative convenience, and political pressure. If we declare the 24th, we risk conflicting with the SGPC. If we pick the 20th, we risk alienating those who’ve observed it for decades."

Who’s Affected? And What’s Next?

Students, teachers, and government workers across northern India are now facing a patchwork of closures. In Chandigarh, schools will shut on the 20th, but state offices remain open. In Haryana, no official notice has been issued as of November 23, leaving district collectors to decide locally. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are staying open—unless weather forces closures. The Economic Times confirmed no national holiday is scheduled for any date in November 2025.

What’s clear: this isn’t just about calendars. It’s about how India remembers its pluralist heroes. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom predates the modern Indian state, yet his legacy is more relevant today than ever. In an era of rising religious tensions, his stand for others’ faith is a quiet rebellion.

Historical Context: Why This Year Matters

1675 was a turning point. Guru Tegh Bahadur didn’t just die for Sikhs—he died for Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and anyone who believed in the right to believe. When Mughal officials demanded Kashmiri Pandits convert to Islam, the Guru stepped in. "If you want to force conversion," he reportedly said, "take my head first." His execution in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, sent shockwaves through the empire. His son, Guru Gobind Singh, would later form the Khalsa, shaping Sikh identity for centuries.

Now, 350 years later, the anniversary isn’t just ceremonial. It’s a mirror. "We celebrate him when it’s convenient," said Professor Arvind Singh, author of Forgotten Martyrs of the Mughal Era. "But his message—freedom of conscience—is the one thing we still refuse to fully embrace."