Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom took center stage at the Republic Day Parade on Monday. The state’s tableau paid a solemn tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru, who is widely revered as the protector of faith, human conscience, and freedom. The presentation focused on his supreme sacrifice for the ideals of justice and religious liberty, which remain cornerstone values for humanity.
The tractor section of the tableau was designed to capture the essence of the Guru’s humanitarian vision, featuring a symbolic hand radiating a spiritual aura. This imagery was meant to represent courage and compassion. In front of the hand, a revolving inscription of “Ek Onkar” was placed to signify the universal truth of one God. A cloth inscribed with “Hind Di Chadar” was draped over the hand, symbolizing the Guru’s role as a shield for those facing oppression for their religious beliefs.
Raagi Singhs performed “Shabad Kirtan” on the trailer portion, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere for the audience. This musical tribute was set against a backdrop of the Khanda Sahib monument and a depiction of the historic chowk near Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi. This specific site marks where the Guru achieved martyrdom and where the tradition of kirtan continues today in his memory.
Side panels of the tableau depicted the bravery of the Guru’s companions, including Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass, and Bhai Dyala. Their inclusion served to illustrate the depth of the ideals taught by the Guru and the collective sacrifice made for human dignity. “The tableau reflects the supreme sacrifice of the ninth Guru for the ideals of humanity and justice,” an official noted during the event.
