Archive · 14 Dec 2025
Sikh Scholars Demand Renaming Veer Bal Diwas
Sikh scholars and institutions want to change the name of Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas.
They believe the current name only honors two of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who were all martyred.
They argue that the name should include all four sons to respect their collective sacrifice.
The scholars also say that the current name is problematic because it has historical ties to a different event and might be used to change Sikh traditions.
They want the government to respect their traditions and rename the day to honor all four sons equally.
Sikh scholars and institutions demand renaming Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas to honor all four sahibzade equally.
The current name, Veer Bal Diwas, only commemorates the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
Sikh traditions and institutions have long observed the martyrdom of all four sons together during Shaheedi Saptah.
The government's decision to name the day Veer Bal Diwas was made without consulting Sikh institutions.
Sikh scholars argue that the name Veer Bal Diwas has historical and political connotations that are problematic.
- Who
- Sikh scholars, institutions, and community members
- What
- Demand to rename Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas and honor all four sahibzade equally
- When
- Approaching December 26, 2023
- Where
- India, particularly Punjab
- Why
- To preserve the unified Sikh narrative and honor the martyrdom of all four sons of Guru Gobind Singh
- Date of Veer Bal Diwas
- December 26
- Original Announcement Date
- January 9, 2022
- Proposed Renaming
- Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas
- Number of Sahibzade
- 4
- Martyrdom Dates
- December 22 and December 26, 1705