Martyr's Day: Know About Shaheed Diwas

Every year on 30th January, Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary is commemorated as Shaheed Diwas. Martyrs' Day is also commemorated in India on 23rd March to honour the warriors who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our Motherland.

On 30th January at 11:00 a.m., two minutes of silence is observed across the country in honour of those who gave their lives in the fight for India's independence.

Why is Martyrs' Day Celebrated?

On 30th January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, was assassinated during his evening prayers at the Birla House by Nathuram Godse.

Nathuram Godse attempted to excuse his actions by blaming Gandhiji for the country's partition and the deaths of thousands of people during the liberation movement. He expressed no remorse for his actions. Godse was condemned to death on 8th November.

The Indian government declared Gandhiji's death anniversary as a national holiday. This day is thus observed as Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs' Day.

23rd March is observed as Martyr's Day to commemorate the loss of three exceptional Indian liberation warriors. The British executed three heroes of our country, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, on this day in 1931. They came forward at a young age and battled valiantly for independence.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi's full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and he was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. He married at the age of 13 and moved to England to further his education.

He is known as the "Father of the Nation" and is referred to as "Bapu Ji." Thousands of people, including leaders, backed his ideas and followed in his footsteps.

In 1920, he founded the Non-Cooperation movement, and in 1930, he organized the legendary Dandi March. His efforts were instrumental to India's independence in 1947.

Bhagat Singh and His Compatriots

Bhagat Singh was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, on 28th September 1907.

Due to his daring exploits, Bhagat Singh became a role model for young people. Together with his colleagues Rajguru, Sukhdev, Azad, and Gopal, Bhagat Singh plotted to kill an officer in retaliation for Lala Lajpat Rai's assassination.

On 8th April 1929, they tossed explosives over the Central Legislative Assembly while shouting "Inquillab Zindabad." They were charged with murder as a result of this. They were executed in the Lahore Jail on 23rd March 1931. Their ashes were scattered along the Sutlej River's banks.

How is Martyrs' Day Celebrated?

On 30th January, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defense Minister assemble at the Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi by placing a garland of flowers on Bapu's monument.

In honour of the Father of the Nation and other martyrs across the country, a two-minute silence is observed. Armed forces members and inter-services contingents also pay respect to the martyrs with a respectful salute.

FAQs on Martyr's Day

Q.1 When is Martyr's Day celebrated?

Martyr's Day is celebrated on 30th January

Q.2 In whose memory is Shaheed Diwas commemorated?

Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary is commemorated as Shaheed Diwas

Q.3 Who assassinated Gandhiji?

Gandhiji was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.