Martyrs day being marked today (Photo Feature)

KATHMANDU, Jan 30: Martyrs Day is being observed across the country today by paying tributes and respects to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and people.

Magh 16 in the Nepali lunar calendar every year 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 who were sentenced to death for their battle for people’s rights are remembered and respected as the four leading martyrs in country’s political history.

Nepal celebrates a martyr week from Magh 10-16 in the Nepali calendar every year. The four heroes of the country had established an organisation Nepal Prajaparishad to motivate the people for fighting for their rights. Shukraraj 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.

Photo: Mukunda Kalikote