Study Guides/Civics/Veer Bal Diwas 2023 in English
Study Guide · Civics

Veer Bal Diwas (Meaning and History)

India is a land of unmatched bravery, but some stories of courage bring tears to every eye. To honor one of the most heartbreaking yet fiercely proud moments in Indian history, the Government of India officially declared December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas (Day of the Brave Children).

Question (Click to Flip)

Who were the elder Sahibzades?

Answer

Guru Gobind Singh Ji had four sons. The two elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji (18) and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji (14), were martyred fighting bravely with swords on the battlefield in the famous Battle of Chamkaur, just a few days before the younger ones were captured.

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Key Facts

The place in Sirhind (Punjab) where the two young Sahibzades were bricked alive and martyred is today a highly revered Sikh shrine known as Fatehgarh Sahib.

Why is Veer Bal Diwas celebrated?

Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on December 26th to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice and unmatched courage of the 'Sahibzades'—the young sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Specifically, it honors the martyrdom of his two youngest sons:

  • Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (aged 9)
  • Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (aged 7)

The History (The Brick Wall)

In December 1704, during a bitter conflict, the two young boys and their grandmother (Mata Gujri Ji) were captured by the cruel Mughal Governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan.

Wazir Khan offered the boys massive wealth, royal titles, and luxuries if they agreed to abandon their Sikh faith and convert to Islam. Despite brutal torture and threats of death, the young boys, aged just 7 and 9, stood fearlessly in the royal court and firmly refused to bow down or change their religion.

Furious at their bravery, the Governor ordered a horrifying punishment. On December 26, the two young boys were bricked alive inside a wall. They embraced martyrdom with the chant of 'Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh' on their lips, refusing to give up their dharma till their last breath.

The Legacy

Their sacrifice is considered unparalleled in world history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of 'Veer Bal Diwas' in 2022 so that children across modern India can learn about the strength, character, and fearlessness of the young Sahibzades.

Questions and Answers

Who were the elder Sahibzades?+

Guru Gobind Singh Ji had four sons. The two elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji (18) and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji (14), were martyred fighting bravely with swords on the battlefield in the famous Battle of Chamkaur, just a few days before the younger ones were captured.

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