January 30, 2026 marked the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, observed as Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) across India. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries paid homage at Raj Ghat, New Delhi — the memorial of the Father of the Nation. A two-minute silence was observed across the country at 11:00 AM in memory of Gandhi and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India's independence. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), New Delhi. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar (present-day Gujarat), Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force) continue to inspire global movements for peace and justice. Rajasthan has a deep connection with Gandhi's legacy — the Sevagram Ashram model influenced rural development in Rajasthan, and the state has several institutions bearing his name. The day is also observed to honour other national martyrs who fell during India's freedom struggle, including Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, who were hanged on March 23, 1931.
Martyrs' Day 2026: Nation Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on 78th Death Anniversary; PM Modi, President Murmu Lead Homage at Raj Ghat
January 30, 2026 marked the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, observed as Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) across India. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries paid homage at Raj Ghat, New Delhi — the memorial of the Father of the Nation. A two-minute silence was observed across the country at 11:00 AM in memory of Gandhi and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India's independence. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), New Delhi. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar (present-day Gujarat), Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force) continue to inspire global movements for peace and justice. Rajasthan has a deep connection with Gandhi's legacy — the Sevagram Ashram model influenced rural development in Rajasthan, and the state has several institutions bearing his name. The day is also observed to honour other national martyrs who fell during India's freedom struggle, including Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, who were hanged on March 23, 1931.
Key facts
- Martyrs' Day 2026 observed on January 30 — the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- PM Modi, President Murmu, and VP C. P. Radhakrishnan paid homage at Raj Ghat, New Delhi.
- A two-minute silence was observed nationwide at 11:00 AM in memory of martyrs.
- Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Godse at Birla House.
- Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha continues to inspire global peace movements.
- The day also honours Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru who were hanged on March 23, 1931.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the significance of Shaheed Diwas observed on the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and examine Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha in shaping India's freedom struggle.
Answer (50 words):
On January 30, 2026, India observed Shaheed Diwas marking the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Birla House in 1948. President Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and PM Modi paid homage at Raj Ghat. Gandhi's Ahimsa and Satyagraha philosophy continues inspiring global peace and justice movements.
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Where was Mahatma Gandhi assassinated on January 30, 1948?
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948 at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) in New Delhi, while attending a prayer meeting.
Frequently asked questions
What is Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) and why is it observed on January 30?
Martyrs' Day, or Shaheed Diwas, is observed on January 30 every year to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated on this date in 1948 by Nathuram Godse at Birla House, New Delhi. The day honours Gandhi and all those who sacrificed their lives for India's independence.
What rituals mark the official observance of Martyrs' Day at Raj Ghat?
The official observance includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat — the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi — led by the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. A two-minute silence is observed nationwide at 11:00 AM in memory of Gandhi and other freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India.
Where was Mahatma Gandhi born and what were the key pillars of his philosophy?
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar (present-day Gujarat). The two central pillars of his philosophy were Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force or non-violent resistance). These principles guided India's independence movement and continue to inspire peace movements globally.
Why is January 30 significant in the context of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru as well?
While January 30 primarily commemorates Gandhi's assassination, Martyrs' Day also honours all freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India, including Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru — who were hanged on March 23, 1931, by British authorities. March 23 is separately observed as Shaheed Diwas for these three revolutionaries.
What is Raj Ghat and what is its historical significance?
Raj Ghat is a memorial located on the banks of the Yamuna river in New Delhi, built at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948. It is a black marble platform surrounded by a garden and serves as the national memorial for the Father of the Nation. State dignitaries and foreign heads of state regularly pay homage there.
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