Amritsar – In a deeply solemn and spiritually charged atmosphere, thousands of devotees gathered at Sri Akal Takht Sahib this week to offer prayers in memory of the beloved martyrs who laid down their lives during Operation Blue Star from June 1 to June 6, 1984. Organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the week-long remembrance ceremonies included an Akhand Path (continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib), which culminated in a Bhog ceremony. Special Gurbani Kirtan was performed to honor the sacrifices made by innocent pilgrims, devotees, and defenders of the sanctity of the Darbar Sahib complex.
This week also marked Martyrs’ Day on June 5, adding emotional depth to the commemorative events. In a significant development, acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj chose not to deliver the traditional address to the Sikh community amid growing dissent from various Sikh factions. Instead, he performed a heartfelt Ardas, praying for unity in the Panth, peace in Punjab, and the release of long-incarcerated Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs). SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami personally honored families of those martyred during the operation, recognizing their enduring pain and invaluable contributions to Sikh history.
The remembrance prayers were held under tight security, with heavy deployment of police and intelligence agencies around the Golden Temple complex to ensure peace. Despite the complex dynamics of internal leadership disputes and ideological differences within Sikh groups, the commemorations proceeded peacefully—marking the first time in decades that the anniversary concluded without incident. This observance not only paid tribute to the martyrs but also served as a reminder of the resilience and spiritual strength of the Sikh community in the face of one of the most painful chapters in modern Indian history.