NANKANA SAHIB, Pakistan— The 95th anniversary of Sikhs massacred at Nankana Sahib – commonly known as ‘Saka Nankana’, was observed at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib on February 21, 2016. An Akhand Path Sahib (continuous non-stop reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib) was performed followed by Keertan (Hymn singing) in respectful memory of the Sikh martyrs who laid down their lives during the massacre.
The Nankana massacre (Saka Nankana) took place in Nankana Sahib during the rule of the British empire in India, now in Pakistan. The saga constitutes the core of the Gurdwara Reform Movement started by Sikhs in the early twentieth century. During this difficult time, Sikhs were exemplary in their religious discipline, self-control and patience. Even in the face of extreme barbarism, the brave Sikhs remained calm and protested peacefully. Mahatma Gandhi realized the greatness in this peaceful method of protest from the Sikhs, and then adopted it for his own political ambitions later on.
