Birsa Munda Punyatithi is observed every year on June 9 to remember and honour Birsa Munda, one of India’s greatest tribal freedom fighters and social reformers. In 2025, this day marks the 125th anniversary of his death. Birsa Munda is remembered for fighting against British rule and protecting the rights, culture and lands of tribal people, especially in Jharkhand.
Who was Birsa Munda?
Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in a small village called Ulihatu, in present-day Jharkhand. He belonged to the Munda tribe, one of the many tribal communities in India. Despite having little formal education, Birsa grew up seeing how British rulers, landlords and Christian missionaries treated tribal people unfairly. This made him determined to fight for their rights.
Birsa Munda’s Early Life and Inspiration
From a young age, Birsa Munda saw the exploitation of his people. Tribal lands were being taken away and their traditional way of life was under threat. He wanted to protect his community’s culture, religion and land. Birsa started organizing tribal people to stand up against injustice and worked to bring social and religious reforms in their lives.
The Ulgulan (Rebellion) Movement
Birsa Munda is best known for leading the Ulgulan, which means ”The Great Tumult” or rebellion, in the late 1800s. Through this movement, he demanded tribal autonomy – meaning that tribal people should govern themselves and keep control over their land and forests. Birsa’s message inspired many tribal people to resist British control and fight for equality and freedom.
His Fight Against British Rule
Birsa Munda’s movement worried the British government because he encouraged tribal people to reject foreign laws and live according to their own traditions. His call for self-rule and respect for indigenous faith made him a powerful leader and symbol of tribal pride. However, the British arrested him to stop the rebellion.
Birsa Munda’s Death and Sacrifice
Sadly, Birsa Munda died at a very young age. He was only 25 years old when he passed away on June 9, 1900, while in Ranchi Jail. The exact reasons behind his death remain unclear, but his sacrifice left a deep impact on India’s freedom struggle and tribal rights movement.
Legacy of Birsa Munda
Even after his death, Birsa Munda’s legacy continued to inspire many. Hi struggle led to the creation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, which gave legal protection to tribal land rights and helped prevent land from being taken away unfairly.
Today, Birsa Munda is celebrated as a national hero. His birth anniversary is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) and his death anniversary, Birsa Munda Punyatithi, is a day of tribute and remembrance.
How Birsa Munda Punyatithi is Observed?
Every year on June 9, especially in Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, people organize programs, ceremonies and events to honour Birsa Munda’s life and contributions. Schools, government offices and tribal communities remember his courage and continue to celebrate tribal identity and heritage.
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