Martyrs' Day in Odisha, India

Odisha celebrates November 17 as Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day to remember famous freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai on his death anniversary.

Also known as the ‘Lion of Punjab’, Lala Lajpat Rai was instrumental in gaining India’s independence.

Rai led a non-violent protest against the Simon Commission when it visited Lahore in 1928. The police struck back with a lethal lathi charge and Lala Lajpat Rai was grievously injured.

He eventually died on November 17, 1928, of a heart attack.

Martyrs' Day or Shaheed Diwas is celebrated in India to remember freedom fighters who laid down their lives to help make India independent. While the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30 is the most prominent Martyrs' Day, there are six others as well.