Digital News Guru Punjab Desk:
Punjab Declares Gazetted Holiday to Honor Freedom Fighter Udham Singh
On July 31, 2025 (Thursday), the state of Punjab will observe a gazetted public holiday, as officially declared by the Punjab government and announced by Cabinet Minister and AAP state president Aman Arora. The move formally elevates Shaheed Udham Singh’s martyrdom day from a restricted holiday to a full state-wide observance, ensuring that all government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions will be closed across the state .
A Transformational Shift in Holiday Status
Previously, July 31 was marked as a restricted or optional holiday, allowing government staff to take leave at their discretion—but not mandating closures.
With the new designation as a gazetted holiday, the observance now carries compulsory status across all state-run entities, underscoring its symbolic importance in commemorating one of India’s most revered revolutionary heroes .
Historic Significance of Udham Singh’s Legacy
Born Sher Singh in Sunam, Punjab, Udham Singh witnessed the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919—a traumatic event that shaped his life. He later assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the Punjab Lieutenant-Governor associated with the massacre, in London in March 1940. He was hanged on July 31, 1940, at Pentonville Prison—a date now etched in history as Shaheed Udham Singh’s martyrdom day .
Since then, July 31 has been observed annually across Punjab and Haryana as a memorial day for Udham Singh. However, only in 2025 has the Punjab government elevated its status to a gazetted holiday, matching its emotional weight and symbolic importance .
State-Level Tributes and Infrastructure Honors
Official Commemoration in Sunam
The state government will host a major ceremonial event in Sunam—Udham Singh’s birthplace—on July 31. Key dignitaries, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, are scheduled to lead the tribute, paying homage to the revolutionary’s sacrifice and legacy .
Infrastructure Renaming
In a significant symbolic gesture, the Bhawanigarh–Sunam–Bhikhhi–Kot Shamir road has already been officially renamed “Shaheed Udham Singh Marg”. Further efforts are underway to rename the entire Patiala–Bhawanigarh national highway in his honour. CM Mann has also written to the Union government seeking approval for this renaming to reflect Udham Singh’s legacy in public infrastructure .
Community Engagement Activities
Punjab will also see a variety of public awareness and volunteer activities on July 31, including blood donation camps, educational events, and local tributes. These events are designed to engage local communities and foster public remembrance of Udham Singh’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle .
What the Holiday Means Statewide
This development will affect public life across Punjab on July 31:
- Government offices, corporations, boards, and courts will be closed.
- All government-run educational institutions—schools and colleges—will remain shut.
- Public functions and memorial events will take center stage in Sunam and other towns.
- Private businesses may remain open unless otherwise directed by administration, but public sector operations will completely halt for the day .
Broader Context & Recognition Across States
- In Haryana, July 31 is also officially recognized as Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day, but as a regional public holiday rather than a gazetted one .
- In the broader holiday calendar for Punjab, July 31 appears in listings as Martyrdom Day of Shaheed Udham Singh, but only in 2025 has it been formally codified as a gazetted holiday .
Why the Change Matters
Honoring Historical Legacy
Udham Singh’s act of avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre through the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer elevated him to martyr status. The holiday’s upgrade recognizes the depth of his sacrifice and the pivotal role he played in India’s freedom movement .
Political & Social Significance
The move fulfills longstanding demands—notably from the Kamboj community in Punjab—and projects a political commitment to honoring revolutionary figures who challenged colonial injustice. The renaming of major roads further cements this intention in public memory and infrastructure .
Civic Remembrance
Designating July 31 as a gazetted holiday ensures formal state recognition across all institutions and public sectors, underscoring the importance of remembering the past and educating future generations.
Looking Ahead
Punjab residents and institutions can expect the state to remain in commemoration mode on July 31. Key highlights include:
- No governmental or educational operations
- A central event in Sunam with top leadership participation
- Symbolic infrastructure renaming and civic memorials
- Community-driven remembrance activities
This change sets a precedent: July 31 will now hold elevated significance in Punjab’s civic calendar.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Date | Thursday, 31 July 2025 |
| Holiday Type | Gazetted public holiday (state-wide mandatory leave) |
| Purpose | Martyrdom Day of Shaheed Udham Singh, revolutionary hero |
| Institutions Affected | All government offices, boards, corporations, schools/colleges |
| Major Commemoration Venue | Sunam, Udham Singh’s hometown |
| Leadership Attendance | CM Bhagwant Mann, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, others |
| Road Renaming | Bhawanigarh–Sunam road named “Shaheed Udham Singh Marg”; proposal for wider renaming underway |
| Community Events | Blood donation camps, tributes, public awareness programs |
Final Thoughts
By upgrading Udham Singh’s martyrdom day to a gazetted holiday, Punjab is issuing a powerful statement of remembrance, pride, and civic identity. In 2025, July 31 becomes not just a date to recall a historical event, but a living memorial—marked with ceremonies, closures, and community honours.
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