The three-day annual Shaheedi Jod Mela began with deep devotion and emotion at historic Chamkaur Sahib on Sunday, as thousands of devotees from Punjab, other parts of India and abroad gathered to remember the supreme sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, along with the brave Singhs who attained martyrdom while fighting the Mughal forces.
The Shaheedi Jod Mela of Chamkaur Sahib holds immense historical and spiritual significance in Sikh history. It commemorates the Battle of Chamkaur (1704), where the Sahibzadas embraced martyrdom while upholding righteousness against overwhelming odds.
From the early morning hours, pilgrims paid obeisance at Gurdwara Shri Katalgarh Sahib, the site associated with the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas. Ragi and Dhadi jathas filled the air with soul-stirring katha, kirtan and ballads recounting tales of bravery, drawing listeners into the turbulent days of 1704. Many devotees said the recitations made history come alive, allowing them to emotionally connect with the sacrifices of the Guru’s family.