In 2025, Prakash Parv is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji are celebrated as Prakash Parv or the Festival of Illumination in Sikh tradition. The term Prakash signifies the divine light and enlightenment these revered Gurus brought into the world through their teachings and exemplary lives. The Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, observed on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik), honors the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. Similarly, the Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh Ji marks the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Its date, determined by the Nanakshahi calendar, generally falls in December or January. This celebration highlights Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s legacy as a spiritual guide, a valiant warrior, and the founder of the Khalsa Panth. The Prakash Parv has been the drive to write the saga that explores the historical connection of Sikhs with Jammu and Kashmir.
The history and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir are enriched by the contributions of various communities, among which the Sikh community holds a significant place. The Sikhs, with their unique cultural ethos and historical legacy, have been an integral part of the region’s socio-cultural and political narrative.
The Sikhs, initially a religious sect, evolved into a formidable military force due to their conflicts with the Mughals and later the Afghans.The transformation of the purely religious sect into a military force has connections with the history of Jammu and Kashmir. This transformation resulted from the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru. In the 18th century, Kashmir was under the rule of the Mughals. According to PNK Bamzai, in his book, Culture and Political History of Kashmir, Iftikar Khan, a governor under Aurangzeb, was forcibly converting Kashmiri Pandits to Islam. In their distress, some Pandits visited the Amarnath Cave to pray for Lord Shiva’s intervention. There, one of them had a vision of Lord Shiva, who directed them to seek the help of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in Punjab. Around 500 Pandits traveled to Anandpur, where Guru Tegh Bahadur resided, and shared their plight, describing the persecution they faced under Aurangzeb’s governor. Deeply moved, the Guru fell into a contemplative silence. Meanwhile, his 14-year-old son, Gobind Singh, noticed the gathering and his father’s somber mood. Curious, he asked why his father was troubled.Guru Tegh Bahadur explained that the Hindus were being forced to abandon their faith and could only be saved if a holy man willingly sacrificed himself for their cause. Young Gobind Singh, with folded hands, responded boldly, “Father, who else could be more fitting for such a sacrifice than you, to protect the Hindu religion?”The Guru expressed concern for his son, worrying about his care after his death. Gobind Singh confidently reassured him, saying, “Almighty God will take care of me.” Impressed by his son’s courage, Guru Tegh Bahadur advised the Pandits to confront Aurangzeb directly, declaring that they and all Brahmins in Kashmir were prepared to convert to Islam-if Guru Tegh Bahadur himself first agreed to convert.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, accompanied by five attendants, set out for Agra on 11th Har 1732 (25th June 1675 AD). Upon reaching Delhi on 1st Maghar 1732 (5th November 1675 AD), he had an audience with Emperor Aurangzeb. During their meeting, the Emperor urged the Guru to embrace Islam. Guru Tegh Bahadur firmly and fearlessly rejected the suggestion, declaring his steadfastness. Angered by his defiance, Aurangzeb ordered the Guru’s execution.As the Guru was being led to the place of execution, he instructed one of his attendants, Bhai Jita, to ensure that after his beheading, his severed head was delivered to his son, Guru Gobind Singh. On 13th Maghar 1732 (27th November 1675 AD), Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed. Bhai Jita managed to secretly retrieve the Guru’s head and carried it to Anandpur.When Bhai Jita approached Anandpur, Guru Gobind Singh came out to meet him and reverently received his father’s head. Overwhelmed with grief at the brutality inflicted by Aurangzeb, Guru Gobind Singh vowed to avenge his father’s death. He resolved to take up arms and lead a crusade to liberate the country from Mughal oppression.
Later, assured of the support and loyalty of his followers, Guru Gobind Singh began to preach the new doctrine boldly, which was that the Sikhs should follow a political creed and unite into a military community. Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth on Vaisakhi (14th April) in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. On this historic day, he called for a congregation of Sikhs and introduced the concept of the Khalsa, a community of saint-soldiers devoted to righteousness and justice.During the ceremony, Guru Gobind Singh initiated the first five members, known as the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), by performing the Amrit Sanchar (baptism ceremony) and giving them the “Khalsa” identity. These five volunteers were the first to accept the Guru’s call for complete devotion and readiness to sacrifice their lives for faith and justice. He also gave all Khalsa Sikhs a distinct identity, including the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan).This moment marked a turning point in Sikh history, symbolizing the unity, courage, and spiritual strength of the Sikh community.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji had four sons who are referred to as the Sahibzaade. Each of them played a significant role in Sikh history and displayed immense courage and sacrifice for the faith. Baba Ajit Singh Ji, the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji,known for his bravery, he fought valiantly in the Battle of Chamkaur against the Mughal forces and achieved martyrdom at 18. Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, the second son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, following his elder brother’s example, fought courageously in the Battle of Chamkaur and became a martyr at the age of 14.Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, the third son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with his younger brother, Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were captured by the Mughal authorities and were martyred by being bricked alive for refusing to convert to Islam. These four Sahibzaade are venerated in Sikhism for their unparalleled sacrifices, which serve as a source of inspiration and strength for the Sikh community.
Guru Gobind Singh’s life was tragically ended by an assassin in 1708 AD at the age of 48. By the time of his death, the Sikhs had transformed into a powerful and united force-proud, ambitious, and warlike-bound by a shared faith and fully prepared, both in spirit and arms, to achieve victory.
The military successor of Guru Gobind Singh was Banda Bairagi. Banda Bairagi, later known as Banda Singh Bahadur, was a prominent Sikh military commander and leader who played a pivotal role in Sikh history. Born as Lachman Das in 1670 in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, he initially led the life of a hermit and ascetic before becoming a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who transformed him into a fierce warrior for justice and the faith. His contributions are deeply revered for establishing Sikh sovereignty in Punjab and his unwavering commitment to the Sikh cause. He initially followed the path of a Bairagi (Hindu ascetic) and adopted the name Madhodas Bairagi. While leading a life of meditation and renunciation, he settled in Nanded (present-day Maharashtra), where he met Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708.
When Guru Gobind Singh Ji met him in Nanded, he impressed upon Banda the importance of fighting against oppression and injustice. Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave him five arrows, a drum, a Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), and a command to lead the Sikhs in Punjab to avenge the atrocities committed by the Mughals and to establish justice. Banda was initiated into Sikhism and given the title Banda Singh Bahadur, symbolizing his new identity as a warrior saint. Under Banda Singh Bahadur leadership, the Sikh forces waged a series of successful campaigns against the Mughal Empire. Banda Singh Bahadur established a Sikh state with its capital at Lohgarh. He issued coins and seals in the name of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh, symbolizing Sikh sovereignty. Banda Singh Bahadur contributions are monumental in Sikh history:He laid the foundation for Sikh political and military power in Punjab. His life exemplifies courage, sacrifice, and devotion to justice. He remains a symbol of resistance against tyranny and a key figure in the Sikh struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
In 1715, after being besieged by Mughal forces, Banda Singh Bahadur was captured at Gurdas Nangal (near Gurdaspur). He was taken to Delhi along with hundreds of his followerswhere he and his companions were subjected to prolonged and inhumane tortures. The Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar ordered their execution to send a message of deterrence to the Sikh community.
Among the many atrocities inflicted, the most horrifying was the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur’s infant son. Historical accounts suggest, Banda’s son, estimated to be around four years old, was killed before his eyes.The Mughal executioners allegedly tore out the child’s heart and, in an act of barbarity, forced Banda to place it in his mouth.
This unspeakable act was intended to break Banda Singh Bahadur’s spirit and humiliate him. Despite this, Banda Singh Bahadur displayed unwavering strength and faith, refusing to submit to the Mughals or abandon his principles.
The sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, and Banda Singh Bahadur are deeply intertwined with the history and ethos of Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting a legacy of faith, courage, and sacrifice. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice in 1675, resisting the forced conversions under Aurangzeb, became a beacon of religious freedom, inspiring communities across India, including Jammu and Kashmir, to stand firm in their beliefs. Guru Gobind Singh, his son, and the tenth Sikh Guru, further strengthened this resolve by creating the Khalsa and nurturing leaders who would carry forward the struggle for justice.Banda Singh Bahadur, originally born in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, carried forward this legacy. After being inspired by Guru Gobind Singh, Banda Singh became a formidable leader, establishing the first Sikh rule in Punjab. His roots in Jammu and Kashmir connect the region to the broader Sikh struggle for justice and equality, making their sacrifices a shared heritage of valor and devotion in the face of oppression.
(The author is Assistant Professor, Central University of Jammu)
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