There are many such incidents in the history of India, which are not only examples of courage and sacrifice but also become role models for the coming generations. One such inspiring and emotional chapter is the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s two younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. In memory of his unique courage and martyrdom, Veer Bal Diwas is celebrated every year on 26 December. This day is a day of reverence and inspiration not only for Sikh history, but for the whole of India and humanity.
The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji had four sons. Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, Sahibzada Juzar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji. Baba Zorawar Singh ji was born on 17 November 1696 and Baba Fateh Singh ji was born on 12 December 1699. Despite their young age, both Sahibzadas had deep religious faith, amazing patience and fearlessness. He was associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji not only as a son but also as a disciple and he had received the values of courage, religious devotion and standing firm on truth from his father.
conflict between religion and tyranny
At that time, atrocities were being committed in the name of religion in India by the Mughal Emperor and many of his Subedars. Forced conversions, jizya taxes, and policies of suppressing religious freedom were common. Guru Gobind Singh ji called for organizing the Sikh panth and standing against injustice and oppression. He founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699, whose basic message was to stand against tyranny, protect the weak and oppressed and stand firm in the face of all injustice. In this background, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family had to face continuous wars, conspiracies and betrayals. The situation became extremely difficult due to continuous attacks and siege on Anandpur Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs.
Departure from Anandpur Sahib and separation of family
Anandpur Sahib remained under siege for a long time. There was a shortage of food and water. Ultimately, on the basis of false promises and oaths, the generals of the Mughal and Hill states told Guru Gobind Singh Ji that if he vacated the fort, he would not be attacked. Considering the circumstances, for the safety of the Sangat and the family, Guru Ji decided to leave Anandpur Sahib. When leaving the fort, it was dark at night, the weather was unfavorable and the Sarsa river was in spate on the way.
The enemies broke their promise and attacked. In this chaos, Guru Gobind Singh ji’s family got separated. Guru Gobind Singh Ji separated with his two elder sons and some lions. Mata Gujri ji (Guru ji’s mother) went in a different direction along with younger Sahibzads Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Later, an old servant named Gangu, who had once worked in the Guru family’s house, took them to his village. Mata Gujri ji trusted him, but this trust later proved to be a big betrayal.
Gangu’s betrayal and arrest
Gangu hosted Mata Gujri ji and the two Sahibzadas in his house. During the night, he got greedy after seeing the money and valuables kept with them. He not only stole their belongings, but also decided to hand them over to the government the very next day. He informed the local Mughal authorities and thus Mata Gujri ji and the two younger Sahibzadas were arrested. He was taken to Sirhind, where Nawab Wazir Khan ruled.
Threats, greed and stubbornness on religion
Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji were presented in the court of Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind. Their age was only around 8 and 6 years, but the courage in their hearts was as strong as a mountain. Qazi and other officials were present in the court. Wazir Khan gave him various kinds of inducements and threats. If they accept Islam, they will be given big titles, estates and a comfortable life. If they do not convert, they will be given the harshest punishment. Even at such a young age, Sahibzadas did not show any kind of fear or greed. Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji said in clear words that he is the grandson of his grandfather Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who gave martyrdom to protect the religion, and he is also ready to follow the same path.
Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji also agreed with his elder brother and said that he too would not change his religion, even if he lost his life. This clear, bold and fearless speech of his shook the hearts of many people present there. But the Nawab and the Qazi, intoxicated by the tyrannical power, remained adamant on their insistence.
Nawab got stuck alive in the wall
When they could not be swayed by greed and threats, it was decided that both the boys should be buried alive in the wall. This was an extremely inhuman and cruel punishment. Construction of the wall started. First bricks were placed around the feet of the Sahibzadas, then gradually the wall started rising. Even amidst the cold wind, cold weather and pain, he kept remembering Waheguru Ji’s Khalsa, Waheguru Ji’s Fateh and Guru Maharaj’s words.
This is a very rare example in history of children of such a young age being so fearless, not showing any kind of vow, crying or fear. Eventually the wall became so high that they were almost buried under the bricks. According to many accounts, he was martyred, either during this suffering or after the collapse of the wall.
Martyrdom of Mata Gujri Ji
Here, Mata Gujri ji was kept imprisoned in a high tower (tower). Cold month. They were deprived of food, warm clothes and any kind of facility. When he received the news that both his young grandsons had been martyred, his heart could not bear the shock. Enduring the constant cold, hunger and deep sorrow of the martyrdom of his grandchildren, he also breathed his last there. Thus, at the same time Sikh history witnessed the sacrifice of three great souls, Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.
Importance of heroic child sacrifice in history
The importance of this incident is not limited to Sikhism only. This incident gives the message that for religion and truth, determination and not age matters. Sacrifice with honor is better than kneeling before tyranny. If children see the right values and ideals, they can also show extraordinary courage. There are very few such examples in the history of the world, where children of such a young age have refused to compromise their principles even in such harsh and cruel circumstances.
Puri, Odisha: Sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a sand sculpture near the Lighthouse to commemorate Veer Bal Diwas pic.twitter.com/qcIpeft8nR
— IANS (@ians_india) December 25, 2025
Declaration and objective of Veer Bal Diwas
The Government of India announced to celebrate 26th December every year as Veer Bal Diwas in the year 2022 to commemorate the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Programs, seminars, plays and symposiums are organized across the country on this day. The story of Sahibzadas is told to children in schools. The ideals of bravery, sacrifice, devotion and truth are discussed. The basic objective of Veer Bal Diwas is that the children and youth of India should understand that their country is the land of such brave children who protected high ideals without caring for their lives. This day tries to inculcate in the minds of children that they themselves should stand in favor of truth, justice and humanity in life, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.
Veer Bal Diwas is not just a memory of a historical event, but a living inspiration. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji proved that courage, piety and self-respect do not depend on age. When we celebrate Brave Children’s Day on 26th December, we should not only pay tribute but also introspect. Are we able to stand for truth and justice in our lives? Are we giving our children such role models that will make them strong, compassionate and fearless individuals? By considering these questions, if we are able to bring even a little positive change in our lives, then this will be the true meaning of Veer Bal Diwas.
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