When India’s finest military regiments march down Kartavya Path during the grand Republic Day Parade, each contingent follows a time-honored tradition, offering a crisp salute to the President of India, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. It is a moment of unwavering discipline, national pride, and deep respect.
Yet, among the marching ranks, one regiment stands apart. The Sikh Regiment does something no other unit does—it salutes twice.
Before rendering the official military salute to the President, the regiment first offers a salute towards Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, honoring a site of immense historical and spiritual significance. This deep show of reverence is more than tradition. It is a tribute to honor, sacrifice, and an unbreakable legacy.
History Behind The Tradition
The double salute tradition was initiated on 24 January 1979 during a full-dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade. While the Sikh Regiment marched from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, they gave a second salute in the direction of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in respect for the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The sewadars of the gurdwara returned the gesture of respect by showering rose petals on the soldiers, thus presenting a touching spectacle of mutual respect.
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks the location where ninth Sikh Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred on 24 November 1675 at the behest of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Guru Tegh Bahadur gave up his life to protect the religious rights of Kashmiri Hindus, who were not willing to convert to Islam. His courage represents the struggle for human rights, tolerance, and peace.
In 1783, nearly a century after Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom, the Sikh warrior Baghel Singh led his forces into Delhi and captured the Red Fort. He negotiated in the treaty with Mughal emperor Shah Alam II, the right to construct Sikh shrines at key historical sites in the capital. Among these was Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, built at the exact location where Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed. What was once a place of brutal oppression was transformed into a sacred memorial, ensuring that the sacrifice of the Guru would be remembered for generations to come.
A Living Tribute to Sacrifice and Valor
The Sikh Regiment’s saluting Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice and a reaffirmation of their commitment to courage, sacrifice, and religious freedom. By honoring both the nation’s leader and a site of deep spiritual significance, this tradition reflects India’s long-standing respect for different faiths and the values that unite its people. It serves as a powerful reminder of how history, heritage, and national service are deeply intertwined in the country’s identity.
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