Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Honoring the first Sikh martyr, the fifth Guru who died under Mughal torture.
The SGPC observes the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev on Jeth Sudi 4 in the traditional lunar Sikh calendar, usually in late May or June. The original Nanakshahi calendar fixes it on June 16.
When Is Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji?
The SGPC observes the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev on Jeth Sudi 4 in the traditional lunar Sikh calendar, usually in late May or June. The original Nanakshahi calendar fixes it on June 16.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
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 died under torture in Lahore in 1606 after his arrest on the orders of Emperor Jahangir; Sikh tradition holds that he refused to convert or 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, Your actions seem so sweet to me. Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord.”
, Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 394 ↗