Martyrs' Day is observed on 30th of January every year to honour all those who gave their life for the country. This day marks the death anniversary of the Father of Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on the same day just a year after he got independence for the country.Gandhiji played a significant role towards the countries independence by fighting the British through non-violence.
Thus to honour and pay homage to this man of high esteem and all the martyrs who sacrificed their life for the freedom, welfare, and progress of the country, a two minutes silence is observed throughout the country at 11 a.m.However originally the martyrdom of the soldiers while defending the sovereignty of the country during the freedom struggle was remembered on Republic Day, January 26 which then gave way to Jan 30.Apart from the Prime Minister and the chiefs of the armed forces even the common men are requested to show their gratitude to the martyrs by observing a 2 minute silence from their normal routine of work.
Celebrations and Activities
Initially there were no major activites or celebrations happening on this day apart from people worshipping Mahatma Gandhi, the man of symbol of virtues and greatness. At Rajghat, in front of the Samadhi of Gandhiji, all-religion prayers are held and bhajans are sung. Recently the day is witnessing celebrations, showcasing the latest weapon achievement and advertising military might. On Martyr's Day, the President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, and the three service Chiefs gather at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and lay wreaths on the Samadhi decorated with multi-colour flowers. The armed forces personnel blow the bugles sounding the Last Post. The inter-services contingent reverses arms as a mark of respect to the martyrs.