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Shaheed Diwas 2025 or Martyrs’ Day is set to be celebrated on March 23 to honor the supreme sacrifices made by India's freedom fighters, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar.
PWOnlyIAS
March 22, 2025
Shaheed Diwas, or Martyrs’ Day, is observed in India to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom. The nation commemorates two key dates as Shaheed Diwas—January 30 and March 23—both carrying deep historical significance. March 23 remembers the execution of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar in 1931 by the British government.
On March 23, 1931, three young revolutionaries—Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar—were executed by the British colonial government in Lahore Central Jail (now in Pakistan). Their crime was their active involvement in the struggle for India’s independence, marked by acts of defiance against British rule. This date is now observed annually as Shaheed Diwas to honor their martyrdom.
| March 23 Shaheed Diwas Overview | |
| Fact | Details |
| Date of Observation | March 23, annually |
| Martyrs Honored | Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar |
| Year of Execution | 1931 |
| Place of Execution | Lahore Central Jail (present-day Pakistan) |
| Age at Martyrdom | Bhagat Singh: 23 years; Rajguru: 22 years; Sukhdev: 23 years |
| Reason for Execution | Involvement in revolutionary activities against British rule |
| Legacy | Symbols of courage and resistance; inspired future generations in the fight for freedom |
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were among the most courageous revolutionaries in India’s independence movement. They were members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and played a significant role in the fight against British colonial rule.
These revolutionaries became symbols of resistance and continue to inspire generations.
Both days serve as reminders of the diverse paths taken toward India’s independence and the sacrifices made by countless individuals. India observes Martyrs’ Day on multiple dates, with January 30 and March 23 being the most prominent:
| Difference Between January 30 and March 23 Martyrs’ Days | ||
| Aspect | January 30 (Mahatma Gandhi) | March 23 (Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev) |
| Who is Remembered? | Mahatma Gandhi | Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev |
| Reason for Observance | Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi | Execution of the three revolutionaries |
| Year of Event | 1948 | 1931 |
| Mode of Struggle | Non-violence (Ahimsa) | Revolutionary approach |
| Significance | Promotes peace and non-violence | Honors armed resistance for freedom |
Every year, March 23 is observed with great respect across India:
To honor the martyrs, organizations and individuals can:
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