Muktsar

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Muktsar (Pañjābī, ‘lake of salvation’). Historic Sikh site in Ferozepur District, Pañjāb. Originally called Khidrāṇā, the place was renamed after forty Sikhs, who had earlier deserted Gurū Gobind Siṅgh, but who returned to die fighting against the men of the local governor, Wazīr Khān. The Gurū forgave their perfidy, pronouncing them liberated ones (mukte). They are commemorated daily in ardās and by an annual melā on 1 Māgha (Jan.–Feb.).