Martyrs' Day 2026: Nation Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on 78th Death Anniversary

**Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas)** is observed on **January 30** every year, marking the **death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi**. In 2026, India marked the **78th death anniversary**. Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by **Nathuram Godse**. The day commemorates Gandhi's values of **ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and communal harmony**.

On **Martyrs' Day 2026 (January 30)**, **President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and PM Narendra Modi** paid floral tributes at **Rajghat** (Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi). A **Sarva-Dharma Prarthana** (all-religion prayer) was organised, and a **nationwide two-minute silence** was observed at **11 AM**.

India observed the **78th death anniversary** of Mahatma Gandhi on **January 30, 2026**. Constitutional heads including **President Droupadi Murmu**, **Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan**, and **PM Narendra Modi** led tributes at **Rajghat**. Indian consulates and embassies worldwide also organised tribute events.

**Rajghat** in New Delhi is the **samadhi (memorial)** of Mahatma Gandhi — the site where his remains were cremated after his assassination on January 30, 1948. It is India's most significant national memorial, and **January 30 tributes** at Rajghat symbolise the nation's commitment to Gandhi's principles of non-violence and truth.

**January 30 is Martyrs' Day** because on this date in **1948**, **Mahatma Gandhi** was shot and killed by **Nathuram Godse** at Birla House, New Delhi, while he was walking to an evening prayer meeting. The day honours not just Gandhi but all Indian martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Another Martyrs' Day is observed on **March 23** (Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev).