SunstarTV Bureau: Martyr’s Day in India is observed on several dates. 23rd March is remembered as the day when nation’s three brave freedom fighters named Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged by the British rulers. Also, 30 January is observed as Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.
Let us read more about it in detail.
Basically, on two dates Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed. On this day we pay homage to the freedom fighters who have sacrificed their lives for their Motherland.
On 30 January Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas is also celebrated in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and on 23rd March also Martyr’s Day is celebrated to pay tribute to three extraordinary revolutionaries of India who were hanged to death by the British namely Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar. And on 30 January 1948 Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation was assassinated at Gandhi Smriti in the Birla House.
Why is Martyr’s Day celebrated on 23rd March?
30 January is celebrated as Shaheed Diwas or Martyr’s Day in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and 23rd March is celebrated as Martyr’s Day to remember the sacrifice of three extraordinary freedom fighters of India. On 23rd March three heroes of our Nation were hanged to death namely Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar by the British. No doubt, they also sacrificed their lives for the welfare of our nation whether they have chosen a different path from Mahatma Gandhi. They are the source of inspiration for the youth of India. At such a young age, they came forward and for the independence they fought with bravery. So, to pay homage to these three revolutionaries Martyr’s Day is also celebrated on 23rd March.
Bhagat Singh was born on 28 September, 1907 in the Lyallpur, Punjab. Bhagat Singh together with his companions Rajguru, Sukhdev, Azad, and Gopal fought for the assassination of Lala Lajpat Rai. Bhagat Sing became an inspiration for youngsters due to his daring adventures. He with his companions on 8th April, 1929 threw bombs over the Central Legislative Assembly by reading the slogan “Inquillab Zindabad”. And for this, a murder case was charged against them. On 23rd March, 1931 in the Lahore Jail they were hanged. Their body was cremated at the banks of the Sutlej River. Let us tell you that a big Shaheedi Mela or Martyrdom Fair is held in the birthplace, at the National Martyr’s Memorial in the Hussainwala or Indo-Pak border.
Why is Martyr’s Day celebrated on 30 January?
The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the Birla House during his evening prayers on 30 January, 1948. Gandhiji was a freedom fighter, a simple man with huge determination, a man who had sacrificed his life for the independence, welfare, and development of India.
Nathuram Godse was trying to justify his crime by holding Gandhiji and saying that he is responsible for the partition of the country and the killing of thousands during the freedom struggle. He called Gandhiji a pretender and in no way felt guilty for his crime. On 8th November, Godse was sentenced to death. So, on this day i.e. 30 January Bapu breathed his last and was martyred. The Government of India announced the day as Shaheed Diwas or Martyr’s Day.
