Martyrs' Day being observed today (Photos)

Setopati

2018-01-30 13:25:00

Martyrs' Day is being observed across the country Tuesday by paying tributes and respects to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and people.

Every year, Magh 16 in the Nepali lunar calendar is marked as the National Martyrs' Day, commemorating those who were executed by the autocratic Rana rulers for voicing for people's rights and those who lost their lives in various movements launched for democracy and people's sovereignty.

Freedom fighters Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha were sentenced to death for voicing out for people's rights. They are still remembered and respected as the four leading martyrs in country's political history.

Nepal celebrates a martyrs' week from Magh 10 to 16 in the Nepali calendar every year. The four heroes of the country had established an organization Nepal Praja Parishad to motivate the people for fighting for their rights. Shukra Raj was hanged from a tree near Pachali of Teku on Magh 10, 1997 BS. Dharma Bhakta was hanged in Sifal on Magh 13 and Dashrath Chand and Gangalal were gunned down at Shobha Bhagawati on Magh 15 by the then autocratic Rana rulers. The government has announced a public holiday on the occasion of Martyrs' Day.