Martyrs’ Day 2025 will be observed on the 30th of January and the 23rd of March. Martyrs’ Day, also known as Sarvodaya Day or Shaheed Diwas at the national level, is a day declared in India to honor the nation’s recognized martyrs. It is observed prominently on January 30 to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. Although, it was recognized nationally on 30 January to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, by Nathuram Godse.
As we know, Mahatma Gandhi, a key figure in India’s freedom struggle, promoted non-violence and peaceful methods to achieve independence from British rule. Every year on his death anniversary, people across the country observe “Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi” by remembering his legacy. It is observed to give the honor to the Mahatma Gandhi.
Martyrs’ Day 2025: Why India Observes Shaheed Diwas on Multiple Dates?
However, Martyrs’ Day is recognized nationally on 30 January to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, by Nathuram Godse. But, it is also observed on the March 23rd. Martyrs’ Day is observed nationally on January 30 as Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day. In 1948, after one of his regular multi-faith prayer meetings, Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi’s Birla House complex. According to legend, Gandhi’s last words were “Hey Ram.” He was shot three times by Nathuram Godse, a member of the Hindu Mahasabha who disagreed with Gandhi’s stance on the partition of India.
Apart from 30 January, many dates in Indian history are celebrated as Martyrdom Day, including 15 February, 23 March, 21 October, 17 November, 19 November, and 24 November. All these days have their importance, which is observed by people at different times on the passing of a great personality. In India, two main days 30 January and 23 March are known as Shaheedi Diwas. Its main reason is the death of Gandhi ji on 30 January.
But the question is why is 23 March celebrated as Shaheedi Diwas? Many of you will be unaware of the fact that the 23rd March is also observed as the Martyrs’ Day in India. 23 March is observed as the death anniversary of our freedom fighters. March 23 is observed as Martyrs’ Day in India to honor the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. The British hanged these three freedom fighters on March 23, 1931, in Lahore.
When is Martyrs’ Day Celebrated in India?
In India, there are two major Dates, observed as Martyrs’ Day. The first one is observed on January 30, to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, by Nathuram Godse. The second one is observed on March 23 marked as the anniversary of the deaths of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru on 23 March 1931, in Lahore, and is also recognized as a Martyrs’ Day. In 2025, citizens should observe Martyrs’ Day on the 30th of January and the 23rd of March. All the citizens should observe 5 minutes of silence to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and other martyrs.
On Martyrs’ Day on January 30, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chiefs of the three services gather at the Samadhi at the Rajghat memorial and pay floral tributes adorned with multicolored flowers.
Armed forces personnel play bugles and the final anthem. Inter-service soldiers reverse their weapons as a mark of respect. A two-minute silence is observed at 11 am across the country in memory of the Indian martyrs. Participants recite prayers and sing tribute songs from different religions.