Punjab will observe September 12 as Saragarhi Day to commemorate the historic battle of Saragarhi, held on this date in 1897.This was announced here by Chief Captain Amarinder Singh while addressing soldiers of 3 Sikhs, with whom he was spending the Independence Eve night.A state-level function will be held on September 12, 2017 at the Saragarhi Gurdwara in Ferozepur, to mark the occasion, which will be presided by Finance Minister Manpreet Badal in the absence of the Chief Minister, who will in London for the launch of his book on Saragarhi, as part of the Saragarhi Battle celebrations.The Chief Minister announced a state holiday to mark the day, which will be celebrated every year on September 12 from this year onwards.The Captain Amarinder led cabinet had in April this year decided to hand over the management of the Saragarhi Memorial/Gurdwara to the administration of Saragarhi Memorial Management Trust, Ferozepur, to ensure better upkeep of the historic site. The Trust comprises highly revered serving army men as well as ex-servicemen as its trustees, whom the cabinet found to be best equipped to take on the task of protecting and maintaining the important site, located at Ferozepur Cantt. in district Ferozepur.Captain Amarinder had announced his government’s intent to transfer the upkeep of the gurdwara to the Trust at the event to launch his book on the historic Saragarhi battle of September 12, 1897. On this date, under the command of Havildar Ishar Singh, 21 Jawans, and one NCO, attained martyrdom after killing hundreds of tribesman who had attacked the Saragarhi outpost.The British government had conferred the 21 soldiers martyred in the Last Stand of the 36th Sikhs with highest Battle Honour of "Indian Order of Merit grade II". This day is celebrated on September 12 every year in Gurdwara Saragarhi Sahib to commemorate the sacrifices of these men. In addition, Gurupurbs and Kirtan Darbars are organized at Saragarhi Gurdwara from time to time.