Martyr’s Day being observed across the country today, public holiday

KATHMANDU: Nepal is commemorating Martyrs’ Day today with various programs across the country, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the establishment, restoration, and preservation of democracy and freedom throughout different periods.

Since 1950 (Bikram Sambat 2007), Nepal has observed Martyrs’ Day annually on Magh 16.

However, concerns remain that the sacrifices of martyrs have yet to be fully honoured through necessary actions.

Despite official commitments from responsible authorities to realise the martyrs’ vision, substantial progress remains elusive.

Martyrs’ Week, which runs from Magh 10 to 16, is being marked with various events.

The tradition of commemorating Martyrs’ Day under the coordination of the then Kathmandu Municipality began in 1955 (Bikram Sambat 2012).

During the struggle for independence, four prominent martyrs were executed by the Rana regime: Shukraraj Shastri on Magh 10 at Pachali, Teku; Dharma Bhakta Mathema on Magh 13 in Sifal; and Gangalal Shrestha and Dasharath Chand on Magh 15 at Shobha Bhagwati.

As part of the Martyrs’ Day events, a morning procession was organised from Shanti Batika, Ratnapark, to the Martyrs’ Memorial in Lainchaur.

The programme saw the participation of the Prime Minister, ministers, high-ranking government officials, people’s representatives, security personnel, and marching bands, culminating in a tribute to both known and unknown martyrs.

Additionally, preparations are underway for a programme at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, currently under construction in Gokarneshwar, northeast of Kathmandu.

The memorial, dedicated to martyrs from Lakhan Thapa to those who sacrificed their lives in later movements, was initiated following a Cabinet decision on May 25, 2007 (Bikram Sambat 2064).

The event will be held under the chief guestship of Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, and is organised by the National Martyrs and Peace Park Civil Servants Memorial Committee, chaired by Sudarshan Sigdel.

Before 2006 (Bikram Sambat 2063), the government’s official Martyrs’ Day event was held at the Martyrs’ Gate.

However, in recent years, Lainchaur’s Martyrs’ Memorial has become the focal point for national commemorations, while various organisations continue to hold programmes at the Martyrs’ Gate.

Furthermore, the recently built Republic Memorial within the Narayanhiti Palace Museum complex has also been designated as an official site for paying tribute to martyrs.

High-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and ministers, will offer tributes here as part of their official oath-taking ceremonies. Plans are also in place to make it a site where visiting foreign dignitaries can lay wreaths in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for Nepal’s freedom.