Delhi and Multiple States Close Schools and Offices for 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
Nov, 24 2025
On November 22, 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a public holiday for November 25, 2025 — the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the ninth Sikh Guru. The decision, shared via her official Twitter handle @gupta_rekha, closed all government offices and schools across the Delhi National Capital Territory. But the ripple didn’t stop there. Nearby regions in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab followed suit, turning what might have been a routine Tuesday into a day of quiet reflection for millions.
Why This Holiday Matters
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was executed in 1675 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb not for his own beliefs, but for defending the right of others to hold them. Kashmiri Pandits, facing forced conversion, had appealed to him for help. He chose to stand with them — and paid with his life. His sacrifice became a defining moment in South Asian religious history, one that transcends sectarian lines. The 350th anniversary isn’t just a religious observance; it’s a civic reminder of the cost of pluralism. As Chief Minister Gupta put it in her statement: "The Guru's message of courage, compassion and religious freedom will always inspire us."
Who’s Affected — And Who Isn’t
On November 25, 2025, government schools and offices in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and across Haryana and Punjab will shut down. The Uttar Pradesh General Administration Department officially shifted its holiday from November 24 to the 25th, aligning with Delhi’s move. Thousands of private schools in these areas are expected to follow, though some may remain open at their discretion.
But life doesn’t stop entirely. The Delhi Metro will run as usual. Buses, autos, and taxis will be on the streets. Emergency services — hospitals, fire departments, police — remain fully operational. Even banks? They’ll open. Why? Because the Reserve Bank of India hasn’t listed November 25 as a regional banking holiday. That’s an important distinction: this isn’t a financial shutdown. It’s an educational and administrative pause.
A Political Gesture With Deep Roots
It’s no accident that this announcement came three days in advance. The timing — a Tuesday — avoids creating a long weekend, signaling a deliberate, focused observance rather than a de facto vacation. That’s significant. In recent years, public holidays for religious figures have sometimes become politically charged. But this one feels different. It’s not just about appeasement. It’s recognition. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom is etched into Sikh history, yes — but also into India’s broader narrative of resistance against religious coercion.
Compare this to other state-level commemorations. In 2023, Punjab declared a holiday for the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s son, Guru Gobind Singh. But this year’s observance is broader. It’s not confined to one state. It’s a coordinated North Indian response — a quiet testament to shared values across state borders.
What Comes Next
On November 25, 2025, gurdwaras from Delhi to Amritsar will hold special prayers, kirtans, and langars. The Sikh Religious Bodies are expected to issue statements linking the Guru’s sacrifice to contemporary struggles for minority rights. Meanwhile, educators in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are preparing classroom materials on religious pluralism — a rare moment when history lessons aren’t just academic, but alive with meaning.
There’s no official parade planned in Delhi, no fireworks. That’s telling. The commemoration is subdued, reverent. It speaks to the dignity of the occasion — and perhaps, to the maturity of the administration honoring it.
Historical Context: The 1675 Event That Changed India
In 1675, Delhi was under Mughal rule. Aurangzeb, the emperor, was enforcing Islamic orthodoxy across his empire. When Kashmiri Pandits fled to Delhi seeking protection, they were turned away by local officials. They sought counsel from Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He didn’t hesitate. He traveled to Delhi, publicly declared his opposition to forced conversions, and was arrested. After months of imprisonment and torture, he was publicly beheaded in Chandni Chowk — a location now marked by Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
His death didn’t end resistance. It ignited it. His son, Guru Gobind Singh, later founded the Khalsa — a warrior-saint community that would reshape Sikh identity. Today, the 350th anniversary isn’t just about remembering a death. It’s about honoring a choice: to die for someone else’s right to believe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is November 25, 2025 chosen for the holiday instead of the actual date of martyrdom?
The actual martyrdom occurred on November 11, 1675, according to the Nanakshahi calendar. But in the Gregorian calendar, the date shifts slightly each year. For 2025, November 25 aligns with the traditional Sikh observance date recognized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). State governments adopted this date to ensure uniformity across regions and avoid confusion among schools and offices.
Are private schools required to close, or is it optional?
Private schools are not legally required to close, but nearly all in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab are expected to do so out of respect and to align with public sentiment. Many private institutions have issued internal circulars confirming closures. A few international or CBSE-affiliated schools may remain open, but they’re the exception — not the rule.
Why are banks open when other government offices are closed?
The Reserve Bank of India only declares holidays for banking operations based on the Negotiable Instruments Act. November 25, 2025, is not listed as a regional holiday under RBI’s calendar. While the state governments can shut schools and offices, they cannot mandate bank closures unless the holiday is officially gazetted under banking regulations — which it isn’t this year.
How does this compare to other religious holidays in India?
Unlike Eid or Christmas, which are observed nationally with bank closures, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s Shaheedi Diwas is a state-driven observance. But its scale is unusual: it spans four states and affects over 12 million students. This level of coordination is rare for non-federal religious holidays, reflecting the growing cultural weight of Sikh martyrdom narratives in North India’s public consciousness.
What’s the significance of the 350th anniversary?
Three and a half centuries is a milestone. It’s long enough to fade from living memory, yet recent history — including rising religious tensions in the past decade — has made Guru Tegh Bahadur’s stand feel urgently relevant. The anniversary isn’t just historical; it’s a mirror. Political leaders are using it to signal support for pluralism, and communities are using it to reaffirm identity. This year, it’s more than a holiday — it’s a statement.
Will this holiday become permanent in future years?
There’s no official declaration yet, but the precedent is strong. In 2023, Punjab made the holiday permanent for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom. Delhi’s move this year, along with coordinated action in neighboring states, suggests momentum. If the SGPC and state governments continue to align on the date, it’s likely this will become an annual, multi-state observance — not just a one-time anniversary.