The government of Punjab has officially announced an official holiday on Friday, May 30, 2025. As per the latest update, May 30 will be a public holiday across the state to mark the Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs.
It is to be mentioned that this holiday has been included in the government's annual holiday list. Notably, on this day, the government offices, schools, and colleges in Punjab will remain closed.
During the Month of May, the Punjab state observed two holidays in May - May 1, which marked Labour Day; and May 30, which was marked as the Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Arjan Dev ji, according to the calendar by the government of Punjab.
Why do we celebrate the Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Arjan Dev Ji?
On this day, people remember the sacrifice and legacy of the fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Arjan Dev Ji.
It is believed that Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1563, in Goindwal Sahib. He was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das Ji and Mata Bibi Bhani Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji played a very important role in shaping the structure of Sikhism. He has also compiled the Adi Granth, which is known as the central scripture of Sikhism.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji died on May 30, 1606, in Lahore. He was brutally tortured — seated on a hot griddle and hot sand dumped on his head, and forced to withstand boiling water — all an endeavor to compel him to abandon his religion. Yet, Guru Ji remained unfazed in his faith and refused religious conversion at the cost of martyrdom.