Haryana Heroes Martyrdom Day is observed annually to pay tribute to the valiant martyrs of Haryana who gave their lives for the liberation and unity of India. Haryana, being the land of warriors, has been an important part of India’s liberation and defense history. Whether it was the freedom fighters of the revolution of 1857 or the brave soldiers of modern wars, Haryana has given endless heroes to the nation.
This day is not just a remembrance but also a reminder to the sacrifices of Haryana martyrs for the country. It inspires the youth, encourages patriotism, and makes us appreciate the freedom that we enjoy today.
The beginning of Haryana Martyrs Day(23 September 2025) dates back to the commemoration of great sacrifices of heroes of the First War of Independence in 1857, when some Haryana freedom fighters fought against the British. Haryana’s land has since then given birth to heroic freedom fighters and soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.
Some of the greatest Haryana martyrs are:
Rao Tula Ram – A war martyr of the 1857 war in Haryana.
Pt. Neki Ram Sharma – An ambala freedom fighter.
Ch. Devi Lal’s contribution to the independence movement.
Servicemen who have fought in wars after independence, such as the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and the Kargil War.
This day was officially adopted to commemorate Haryana’s contribution and to ensure that these martyrs are never forgotten.
Honoring the past – To commemorate martyrs of Haryana freedom fight and wars.
Inspiring the youth – To inspire next generations by stories of bravery.
Encouraging unity – Remembrance of sacrifices gives a sense of national pride.
Cultural value – It maintains Haryana’s history of patriotism and bravery.
Celebration of Haryana Shaheedi Diwas ensures that all citizens remember the sacrifices of Haryana soldiers and martyrs.
Haryana was at the forefront of India’s fight for freedom. The Haryana 1857 revolution heroes played an important role in opposing British oppression. Areas like Rohtak, Hisar, Ambala, and Jhajjar were hotbeds of uprising.
Haryana gave birth to several freedom fighters who worked along with the leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose.
There were many martyrs from Haryana who were hanged, jailed, or tortured during the movement.
Their efforts set the stage for India’s freedom in 1947.
This is the reason Haryana is called the land of martyrs and warriors.
Even after independence, Haryana was serving its role with courage. A great number of Haryana soldiers fought and sacrificed their lives in wars against China and Pakistan.
1962 India-China War – Haryana soldiers displayed immense bravery.
1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak Wars – Certain very brave Haryana martyrs protected the nation.
Kargil War 1999 – Haryana Heroes sacrificed their lives on the war field.
These sacrifices prove that Haryana’s role in the defense of the nation is without a match.
Rao Tula Ram (1825–1863) was one of the main leaders of the First War of Independence in 1857 in Haryana. He was a native of Rewari and belonged to a Yadav royal family, and he was known for his courage and leadership abilities.
When the rebellion against British occupation broke out, Rao Tula Ram formed a local force and put up a fierce struggle against the British force. He was actively involved in organizing the rebellion in the Delhi–Gurugram–Rewari belt.
He joined hands with other commanders of the 1857 rebellion and fought in their company. His men offered stout resistance to the British in several battles.
After the rebellion was suppressed, Rao Tula Ram escaped to Afghanistan and sought the assistance of international powers like Russia and Iran to fight against the British. Unfortunately, he died in 1863 at the age of 38, but his name was immortalized in Haryana’s freedom struggle history.
Rao Tula Ram is also popularly called the “Lion of Rewari” and one of the first great martyrs of Haryana who inspired many freedom fighters to tread the same path.
Pt. Neki Ram Sharma (1887–1956) was another giant of the freedom movement of Haryana, lovingly called the “Lion of Haryana.”
Born at Ambala, Neki Ram Sharma was deeply inspired by the Swadeshi Movement and ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi. He devoted his entire life to freeing India from the British.
Neki Ram Sharma was involved in many revolutionary activities and was arrested several times by the British. He actively took part in the movements including:
Civil Disobedience Movement
Quit India Movement
Non-Cooperation Movement
He worked day and night to organize protests, mobilize farmers and youths, and inspire people to boycott British goods.
His fearlessness and bravery earned him immense respect and he came to be known as the “Sher-e-Haryana” (Lion of Haryana).
Pt. Neki Ram Sharma’s contribution gave this patriotic fervor of Haryana a reality, and he is a symbol of resistance and sacrifice in state history.
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Chaudhary Devi Lal (1914–2001), popularly referred to as “Tau Devi Lal”, is best remembered as a farmer leader and a former Deputy Prime Minister of India as well as a freedom fighter who took an active role in the freedom movement.
Touched by the call of Mahatma Gandhi, Devi Lal was a member of the Civil Disobedience Movement in the 1930s. He took an active role in agitations against British rule and was jailed several times.
During the Quit India Movement, Devi Lal rallied youths and farmers of Haryana to resist British rule. He was jailed for his activities, but that only increased his determination.
Following India’s independence, Ch. Devi Lal committed himself to the service of the nation through the care of farmers and rural development. He based his political career on the basis of his early sacrifices during the struggle for independence.
Although he is most remembered as a statesman and leader of farmers, his active life as a young freedom fighter remains a matter of pride in the history of Haryana.
The day is commemorated with tributes, cultural functions, and events across the state.
Government Programs – State political leaders make pilgrimages to martyrs’ memorials to offer their respects.
School & College Functions – Students participate in speeches, essays, and patriotic songs for Haryana martyrs.
Public Tributes – People visit Shaheed Smaraks (memorials of martyrs) to pay their respects.
Cultural Celebrations – Haryana folk songs, play, and patriotic events include stories of Haryana martyrs.
Social media also plays a great role, where people share Haryana martyrs quotes, slogans, and tribute.
Haryana schools have special events that remind students of the sacrifices of Haryana’s great heroes.
This makes students aware of the real sense of freedom and motivates them to work for the country.
Remembrance of Haryana martyrs is present in every corner of the state. Memorials, statues, and government schemes keep their acts of courage before us. Haryana keeps inspiring us with its culture of courage and sacrifice.
Patriotism – The martyrdom of Haryana martyrs creates love for the nation.
Unity – Haryana heroes show us how vital national unity is.
Inspiration – Their lives provide fire to the sense of courage among present-day youth.
The below are some of the motivational lines which are typically spoken on the occasion of Haryana Martyrs Day:
“The land of Haryana has produced innumerable heroes whose sacrifices keep India intact.”
“Haryana martyrs are not only heroes of the state but the pride of the country.”
“Freedom was achieved at the cost of the blood of Haryana’s sons and daughters.”
“Haryana Shaheedi Diwas reminds us that true heroes never die.”
The martyrdom of Haryana martyrs continues to inspire our next generations.
You can create your Haryana Heroes Martyrdom Day quotes, images for free on Quote Vaani App and share it on social media platforms.
The future generation of Haryana is motivated by this day. By learning about Haryana freedom fighters and war heroes, the young generation today understands the importance of responsibility, harmony, and sacrifice.
This establishes a stronger connection between past sacrifice and future responsibility.
Haryana Heroes Martyrdom Day is not just a reminder but a celebration of patriotism, sacrifice, and courage. Haryana’s heroes, both national freedom struggle and modern-day wars, have shown unmatched bravery.
By celebrating this day, we honor their sacrifices, maintain Haryana’s glorious reputation, and teach the virtues of oneness, patriotism, and sense of responsibility to future generations.
Let us not forget that the freedom which we are able to live today is due to the sacrifices made by Haryana martyrs, and it is our duty to keep their memories alive.
Haryana Heroes Day is celebrated to honor the martyrs and freedom fighters of Haryana who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
23rd September is observed as Haryana Heroes’ Martyrdom Day, celebrating Rao Tula Ram and the rest of the state martyrs.
Rao Tula Ram, the hero of the 1857 rebellion from Rewari, is Haryana’s state hero.
It is a day to remember and offer respects to the martyrs who gave their lives for the freedom and security of India.
The theme is about “Honoring Sacrifice, Inspiring Patriotism”, which encourages the youth to take inspiration from the lives of martyrs.
Heroes Day in Haryana commemorates the spirit of freedom fighters like Rao Tula Ram and many soldiers who had fought with valour during the 1857 revolt, independence movement, and later wars to make Haryana a “land of martyrs.”