Punjab declares public holiday on May 30 to mark martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government has officially declared Friday, May 30, as a public holiday across the state to observe Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. This holiday has been included in the state’s annual list of government holidays.
All government offices, schools, and colleges in Punjab will remain closed on this day. The holiday aims to honour the profound sacrifice and legacy of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who laid down his life for upholding the values of righteousness and religious freedom.
According to the 2025 Punjab Government holiday calendar, the state observed two official holidays in May — the first on May 1 (Labour Day) and the second on May 30 (Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Arjan Dev Ji).
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, born on April 15, 1563, in Goindwal Sahib, was the youngest son of the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, and Mata Bibi Bhani Ji. He became the fifth Sikh Guru and played a pivotal role in shaping Sikhism — including the compilation of Adi Granth, the central scripture of Sikhism.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji attained martyrdom on May 30, 1606, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). He was subjected to brutal torture — forced to sit on a burning hot plate while hot sand was poured over his head, and made to endure boiling water — all in an attempt to make him renounce his faith. However, Guru Ji stood firm in his beliefs and chose martyrdom over religious conversion.
- PTC NEWS
