Maghi

Maghi is a significant Sikh festival observed in memory of the Chali Mukte—the Forty Liberated Ones—who sacrificed their lives while defending Guru Gobind Singh Ji against the Mughal army. The historic event took place on 29 December 1705 near a water reservoir called Khidrane Di Dhab, now known as Muktsar Sahib in Punjab. These forty Sikhs had earlier parted ways with the Guru but later returned with deep remorse and fought valiantly to protect him. They attained martyrdom in the battle, and their cremation took place the next day, on the first day of the month of Magh, which is why this day is remembered as Maghi, usually falling on 13 January.

For Sikhs, Maghi is a day of spiritual remembrance and devotion. The occasion is marked by continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, kirtans, and religious gatherings in Gurdwaras across the world. The largest and most prominent celebration takes place at Muktsar Sahib, where thousands of devotees participate in a grand fair. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the sarovar, visit historical Gurdwaras, and conclude the three-day event with a large procession, or Mahala, from the main shrine to Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib, a site closely associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 

The eve of Maghi coincides with Lohri, a popular North Indian festival celebrated with bonfires, sweets, and the distribution of alms, especially in Hindu households, to mark the winter solstice and the birth of sons. While Lohri has cultural importance, for Sikhs, Maghi holds deep historical and religious meaning as a tribute to courage, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice for faith and righteousness.

 The Saint – Soldier (Guru Gobind Singh) -The Battle of Muktsar