Why is it in the news?

• Veer Bal Diwas is observed on December 26
• It commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji.

 More about the news

• Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji were only 7 and 9 years old, respectively, at the time of their deaths.
• The martyrdom occurred during the Battle of Chamkaur (1704), a significant conflict fought between the Sikhs and the Mughals.
• During the Battle of Chamkaur, the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were captured by the Mughals.
• Faced with the choice to convert or bow to Wazir Khan, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh steadfastly refused to renounce their faith.
• As a consequence of their refusal to convert, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji were sentenced to death.
• The two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were soon martyred by execution, underlining their unwavering commitment to their principles and faith.
• The tragic events extended beyond the young sons, as Guru Gobind Singh’s mother, Mata Gujari, and his two elder sons, Sahibzaada Ajit Singh (18) and Sahibzaada Jujhar Singh (14), were also killed within a week.
• Several years later, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur avenged the execution of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji by attacking, capturing Sirhind, and executing Wazir Khan. This act marked a significant chapter in the history of Sikh resistance against tyranny.