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Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Honoring the first Sikh martyr — the fifth Guru who died under Mughal torture.
📅 June 16
✦ Why It Matters
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606) was the fifth Sikh Guru and first Sikh martyr. He compiled the Adi Granth, built the Golden Temple, and was tortured to death by Emperor Jahangir for refusing to alter the scripture.
✦ How It Is Observed
Processions, serving cold drinks to passersby in memory of the burning heat under which Guru Arjan Dev was tortured, Gurdwara services, reading of his compositions.
✦ Sacred Text
“Tera kiya meetha laage — O God, whatever You do seems sweet to me. Nanak begs for the treasure of Your Name.”
— Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 724 ↗