Lucknow, Nov. 23 -- The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday declared November 25 as a public holiday to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, widely revered for his sacrifice in defending religious freedom and human rights.

According to the official notification, all state government offices, schools, and educational institutions will remain closed. The state government stated that the decision honours the Guru's extraordinary courage and his unwavering commitment to protecting the oppressed, particularly during a period of intense persecution in the 17th century.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, remembered as "Hind di Chadar," sacrificed his life in 1675 to uphold the right to freedom of belief. His ma...