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Written By: Gurviraj Singh/ The News Dose
Chamkaur Sahib: The three-day annual Shaheedi Jod Mela commenced on Sunday at historic Chamkaur Sahib, marked by deep devotion and emotion as thousands of devotees from Punjab, across India and abroad gathered to honour the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, and the brave Sikhs who laid down their lives in the Battle of Chamkaur (1704).
From the early hours, pilgrims thronged Gurdwara Shri Katalgarh Sahib, associated with the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, to pay obeisance. The atmosphere resonated with katha, kirtan and dhadi vaars, as ragi and dhadi jathas vividly recounted tales of valour and sacrifice, transporting devotees back to the defining moments of Sikh history.
A key highlight of the opening day was the arrival of Nagar Kirtans from various parts of Ropar district. A major procession set out from Anandpur Sahib, retracing the historic path taken by Guru Gobind Singh and his family under extreme adversity. Nagar Kirtans from nearby villages were also received with reverence by gurdwara authorities and local residents.
Another symbolic Nagar Kirtan originated from Gurdwara Pariwar Vichora Sahib, recalling the painful separation of Guru Gobind Singh’s family. Early on Sunday morning, 45 horse-mounted Sikhs ceremonially crossed the Sirsa river, commemorating the historic crossing by the Guru and his Sikhs before the battle.
Devotees described the atmosphere as spiritually overwhelming. “Walking with the Nagar Kirtan fills one with both sorrow and pride. It reminds us of the courage with which Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family faced immense hardship,” said a pilgrim from the Doaba region.
In keeping with Sikh traditions of sewa and equality, community langars organised by village groups lined the streets, serving food and refreshments round the clock to pilgrims.
The district administration has put in place elaborate security and crowd management arrangements, with senior police officials overseeing operations and volunteers assisting elderly devotees.
The Shaheedi Jod Mela will continue till December 22, with continuous religious divans, offering devotees an opportunity to immerse themselves in the remembrance of sacrifice, faith and resilience that continue to inspire the Sikh community.
