Shaheed Diwas | 30 Jan 2023

Why in News?

On January 30, 2023, India observes Martyrs' Day or Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. The day is also marked as the death anniversary of the nation's 'Bapu', Mahatma Gandhi.

Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day is celebrated in India several times a year.

What is there to Know about Shaheed Diwas?

In Remembrance Of:
- Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869, was one of the most influential leaders of India and played a significant role in the independence of the country.
- On this day in 1948 Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in the Birla House in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse.
Way of Celebrating:
- India celebrates Martyrs' Day by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi.
  - The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and the three Service Chiefs (Army, Air Force, and Navy) pay their respects to the ‘Father of the Nation’.
Significance:
- The significance of Shaheed Diwas lies in the fact that Mahatma Gandhi who led major movements against British rule through a non-violent approach.
  - His philosophy was based on the principles of non-violence, the fight for truth (satyagraha), and political and individual freedom (Swaraj) and inspired millions of people with his principles.

Other Martyrs' Days in India: What are they?

Days	About
March 23	On this day Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged to death by the British in Lahore Jail.
May 19	It is celebrated in Assam to remember the people who were killed by the state police on May 19, 1961. The day was designated as Bhasha Shaheed Diwas or Language Martyrs’ Day.
July 13	Jammu and Kashmir celebrates July 13 as Kashmir Martyr’s Day to remember people who were killed, when demonstrating against the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir.
November 17	Odisha celebrates this day to remember famous freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai on his death anniversary.
November 19	Jhansi celebrate this day, the birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai, as Martyrs’ Day. The day celebrates the contribution of all who passed away in the Revolt of 1857.
November 24	It is celebrated as Martyrs’ Day by the Sikh community as it is the death anniversary of ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. He resisted the forced conversions of non-Muslims and was executed publicly in 1675 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Source: ET