Braving chill and foggy weather, devotees numbering up to 25 lakh throng Fatehgarh Sahib for Shaheedi Jor Mela every year.

Spending nights in makeshift tents and tractor-trailers, these devotees have started reaching the holy place from across Punjab and neighbouring states.

The biggest annual event of the state is held from December 25 to 27 to commemorate the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, who were bricked alive by Mughal ruler for not embracing Islam.

Bhai Harpal Singh, head granthi of Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara, said the Shaheedi Sabha would start on December 25 by performing akhand path of Guru Granth Sahib at Jyoti Swarup Sahib Gurdwara, where the Sahibzadas were cremated and conclude on December 27 with concluding ardas.

Dr Sona Thind, Deputy Commissioner, said all arrangements had been completed for the mela. Around 3,500 police officials, 300 CCTV cameras, six drones, 21 parking sites and 72 nakas had been erected. An integrated control room of all departments with a toll-free number had been set up so that people could call in case of any emergency.

Also read: Martyrdom Day of Vadde Sahibzade: A legacy that defeated tyranny

Despite temperatures dipping to single digit, volunteers are braving the cold to serve hot meals to the devotees.