Martyrs Day in Nepal is a day celebrated to honor the sacrifices of the known and unknown martyrs who fought against the autocratic Rana regime in the 20th century. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
The celebration of the martyrs day starts a week before the day, from Magh 10 to 16. During this period, various events are organized across the country to honor the martyrs
The term martyrs of Nepal refers to the individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the country or society. The martyrs have played a huge role in the establishment of democracy in nepal.
The key 10 martyrs of Nepal are Lakhan Thapa Magar, Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand, Gangalal Shrestha, Bhimdatta Panta, Ratna Kumar Bantawa, Yagya Bahadur Thapa, Bakaabir Baldev Shahi, and Tanka Prasad Acharya.
Among them, the sacrifices of the Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand, and Ganga Lal Shrestha were the major turning point for the establishment of democracy in Nepal. Their sacrifices contributed to overthrowing the autocratic Rana regime and helped to establish the democracy.
The willingness of the martyrs to give their lives for the cause of democracy and freedom makes them great. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these values. The momentum gained after the martyr's death was important for the establishment of a more democratic system.
The history of the martyrs can be traced back to the Rana regime. During the Rana regime, people fought for the country's independence from Rana’s rule. The history of martyrs day in Nepal started with the execution of the four prominent martyrs.
However, the first martyr of Nepal was Lakhan Thapa Magar. He was executed in 1877 for rebelling against Jung Bahadur Rana’s pro-British policies and autocracy.
After the event, during the Rana regime, the leaders Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand, and Ganga Lal Shrestha founded the Nepal Praja Parishad, a secret organization advocating democracy.
Dharma Bhakta and Ganga Lal mobilized youth and intellectuals, while Dashrath Chand’s speeches exposed Rana oppression. In order to oppress the movement, the Ranas executed those four prominent martyrs in January 1941.
During the rule of the Ranas in Nepal from 1846 to 1951, several other people who were opposing the Rana regime were also executed by the Ranas.
Their sacrifices exposed the rana’s brutality. It further garnered international scrutiny and emboldened King Tribhuvan’s alliance with democratic forces in 1951.
Historically, the martyrs deaths marked a turning point in Nepal's democratic movement, leading to the eventual collapse of the Rana dynasty. This led to a transition of Nepal to democracy.
The celebration of martyr’s day begins with martyr’s Week, which runs from Magh 10 to 16. During this week, various programs and events are organized to commemorate the sacrifices of known and unknown martyrs.
This day is celebrated specifically to honor the four prominent martyrs, Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand, and Gangalal Shrestha.
The key events of the martyrs day in Nepal include:
A morning rally is organized on the martyrs day in Nepal. The rally starts from Shanti Batika, Ratnapark, and proceeds to the Martyrs' Monument at Lainchaur. The event is attended by the various government officials, including the prime minister, ministers, and other high-level officials.
A wreath-laying ceremony is also organized at Lainchaur. The ceremony is held at the statue of the martyrs at Lainchaur. The tributes are paid by the prominent figures.
On the occasion of martyrs day in Nepal, the various educational institutions conduct programs to educate the students about the struggles and sacrifices of the martyrs. This is done aiming to educate them about the national pride and dedication.
The various cultural events are organized across the country. Those events include speeches and discussions about the sacrifices of the martyrs. These events aim to remind citizens of the importance of upholding democratic ideals and human rights.
A moment of silence is observed on this day. It is observed nationwide in memory of all known and unknown martyrs.
The Martyrs Day in Nepal plays a huge role in shaping the country's democratic and political landscape. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the martyrs for democracy and freedom. It reinforces the importance of these values in Nepali society.
The martyrs day fosters the national unity. The day brings all the people together from different backgrounds to reflect on the shared struggles and achievements. It encourages patriotism. The future generations learn to protect the freedoms that were hard-won by the martyrs.
On this day, people of Nepal remember the importance of the advocacy for justice and equality. In addition, the day plays an important role in promoting democratic values, fostering national unity, and inspiring future generations.
Martyrs Day in Nepal, observed on the Nepali date 16th Magh, commemorates the 10 martyrs of Nepal, including Lakhan Thapa, Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Gangalal Shrestha, and Dashrath Chand. The history of Martyrs Day in Nepal honors their sacrifice for democracy, with events held nationwide, including at Shaheed Divas memorials.
1. How many martyrs are there in Nepal?
The exact number of martyrs in Nepal is unknown because of the inaccurate statistics from the Nepalese government. However, the number of martyrs declared by the government on February 27, 2023, was 8,470 people.
Among the above names, Lakhan Thapa Magar was the first martyr of Nepal. He was the local leader in Bungkot, Gorkha District.
2. When is Martyrs Day in Nepal?
The martyr’s day in Nepal is celebrated on January 30th, every year, according to the Gregorian calendar. While according to the Nepali calendar, Martyrs Day in Nepali date is on the 16th of Magh, 2081.
3. What is martyr’s day called in the Nepali language?
The Martyrs of Nepal in Nepali language is called Shahid Diwas.
