Nepal Begins Martyrs’ Week Observance

Nepal on Monday marked the beginning of Martyrs’ Week with a memorial gathering at Teku in Kathmandu, honoring martyr Shukraraj Shastri, who sacrificed his life in the struggle for democracy.

The annual observance began with local officials and residents paying tribute to Shastri at his statue. Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, led the ceremony along with other officials and locals, laying floral offerings to honor his legacy.

Martyrs’ Week is observed annually across Nepal to honor the martyrs who laid down their lives in the fight for democracy and civil rights. Various programs, including memorial assemblies and tribute events, are organized throughout the week to commemorate their sacrifice.

The week culminates with Martyrs’ Day, observed on Magh 16 of the Nepali calendar, which usually falls on January 30.

The observance commemorates the contribution of martyrs Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha for ushering democracy in Nepal. The four were executed by then Rana rulers in 1940 AD for rebelling against the autocratic regime.