Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day

Every year, Sikhs all over the globe mark Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day to remember the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Every year, on the fifth day of the Harh month, this day is marked to commemorate the Guru's execution on June 16, 1606.

Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and Mata Bhani had Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1563. The Adi Granth, which comprises the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints, was compiled by him as the first Sikh Guru. He is also credited with building Amritsar, Punjab's Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, which is regarded as Sikhism's holiest site.

Spiritual master Guru Arjan Dev Ji spread the gospel of brotherhood, peace, and love. However, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who was frightened of the Sikhs' growing authority, saw a threat in his teachings and expanding influence. Jahangir ordered Guru Arjan Dev Ji's death in 1606; he was cruelly tortured and died by being forced to sit on a hot plate with the molten lead being poured over him.

Significance

For Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev Ji's sacrifice is of utmost importance. His sacrifice stands for the tenacity and steadfast dedication to Sikh values like equality, social justice, and freedom of religion. Sikhs are still led and inspired by Guru Arjan Dev Ji's teachings and writings, which are included in the Adi Granth. Additionally, the Sikh community's identity and historical resistance against persecution were greatly influenced by his martyrdom.

Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day's History 
On June 16, 1606—the anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's execution as the fifth Sikh Guru—it is observed as Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day. The difficulties in politics and religion at the time are what led to Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom.

• The Mughal Empire governed India at the time of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and was extending its control over several areas, including Punjab.
• Jahangir, the Mughal emperor, was cautious of the Sikh community's growing influence and authority, as well as Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the author of the Adi Granth, the Sikhs' holy book.
• In 1605, Jahangir got unwell, and a few of his courtiers propagated false reports that the Emperor's sickness was brought on by the Sikh Guru's blessings.
• Guru Arjan Dev Ji was taken into custody by Jahangir, who also requested a sizable quantity of money in exchange for his release as a ransom.
• A few days after being tortured and compelled to endure sitting on a hot plate with the molten lead being poured over him, Guru Arjan Dev Ji passed away.
• The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji marked a turning point in Sikh history by inspiring the group to see themselves as a distinct group with their own special beliefs and customs.
• The incident also emphasized the value of religious tolerance and freedom of worship by highlighting the potential discrimination faced by religious minorities in a country where the state religion is given preference over all others.
• The Sikhs then started to organize themselves and struggle to defend their political and religious rights.
• Every year, Sikhs all around the globe mark Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day to remember the sacrifice made by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and to respect his principles of kindness, equality, and service to mankind.
• The Sikh community uses the day as a chance to remember, reflect, and refresh their religion.
   

Celebration of Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day 
Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day, held yearly on the fifth day of the month of Harh, is a major occasion for the Sikh community. The day is observed with a variety of festivities, which vary in style and fervour depending on the locale and the community.

• Devotees usually get up early and take a holy bath before starting their day. They next go to the Gurudwara, a Sikh temple where prayers are said and songs are performed in remembrance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. In order to create a festive environment, the Gurudwaras are typically decked with flowers and lights.
• No matter their religion, caste, or class, all guests are served meals at the Langar, a communal kitchen, which is run by devotees. The dish is revered as a sacrament and is thought to represent the Guru's teachings on human equality and service.
• In certain areas, processions with musicians playing traditional instruments are organised during which devotees carry the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of the Sikhs, atop a decorated palanquin. While the procession travels through the streets, residents pray and sing songs.
• To commemorate the anniversary, charitable events including blood drives, free medical clinics, and cleaning drives are also planned. These initiatives seek to spread the selflessness and service that Guru Arjan Dev Ji advocated.
• Devotees take part in hymn recitation, kirtan, and prayer throughout the day in addition to these events. On this day, some people also observe fasts or carry out charitable deeds.