Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025: 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Every year, November 15 is celebrated across India as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The Government of India has declared 2025 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh’ to honour the contributions of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was a revered tribal leader, social reformer, and freedom fighter from the Munda community of present-day Jharkhand. His leadership challenged British colonial exploitation, forced labour, and unjust land policies. Though he lived only 25 years, his movement played a key role in shaping tribal identity, socio-religious reform, and early resistance against colonial rule.

• Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu, Ranchi (now Jharkhand).
• Belonged to the Munda tribal community.
• Educated in mission schools, exposure to Christianity influenced his early worldview before he later led socio-religious reforms.
• Opposed forced conversions and aimed to revive tribal cultural identity.
• Encouraged unity among Adivasis against exploitation.
• Arrested by the British in 1900 and died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900, at the age of 25.
• His birth anniversary (15 November) is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
• He is remembered as “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth).

Birsa Munda emerged as a political leader and spiritual guide for the tribal communities of the Chota Nagpur region. 

• He founded the Birsait faith, advocating monotheism, simple living, and moral discipline. 
• The movement discouraged superstitions, addiction, and exploitative practices within tribal society.
• Birsa resisted the increasing spread of missionary influence and opposed forced or coercive conversions.
• Birsa’s teachings fostered a sense of collective identity among the Munda, Oraon, and other tribes.

Birsa transformed religious reform into political resistance. His uprising, known as the Ulgulan or The Great Tumult, was one of the earliest tribal revolts against British rule. The Ulgulan challenged:

• Unjust British land laws disrupted traditional Khuntkatti (clan-based) land ownership.
• Exploitative zamindars who imposed heavy rents and encroached on tribal lands.
• Forced labour (begar) was practised by local officials and contractors.
• Restrictions on traditional forest and land rights have deprived Adivasis of their livelihood.
• His slogan “Abua Dishum, Abua Raj” (Our land, our rule) began the demand for self-governance, autonomy, and restoration of ancestral rights.

Although the Ulgulan was eventually suppressed, its long-term impact on tribal land laws was significant.

Chota Nagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, 1908

The Act provided:

• Protection of tribal land ownership,
• Restrictions on the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals, and
• Legal recognition of Khuntkatti rights.

This legislative reform is widely viewed as a direct outcome of the pressure created by Birsa Munda’s movement.

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Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrating unity, cultural pride, and India’s rich tribal heritage. 

• This milestone year concludes the nationwide observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
• Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada (1–15 November 2025) has been organised to showcase tribal art, traditions, and achievements.
• Nationwide events are organised in schools, cultural institutions, and government bodies, including exhibitions, festivals, and awareness programmes.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the central celebration in Dediapada, Gujarat, reflecting the government’s focus on tribal welfare and cultural preservation.

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The 150th birth anniversary celebrations highlight national initiatives aimed at improving tribal welfare, education, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

These schemes & initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable development for tribal communities across India.

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Across India, several memorials, museums, and institutions have been established to honour the life, legacy, and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. 

1. Birsa Munda Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum, Ranchi

2. Birsa Munda Memorial Park and Statue, Ranchi: A major public space dedicated to his memory, featuring statues and murals.

3. Birsa Munda Tribal Research Facilities (supported by TRIs): Several Tribal Research Institutes across states to study Birsa Munda’s life.

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“Freedom is meaningless if people cannot live with dignity.” — Nelson Mandela

Birsa Munda’s legacy reminds us that dignity, identity, and opportunity must guide our way forward. To honour that vision:

• Preserve heritage through stronger cultural and community initiatives.
• Strengthen education via empowered EMRSs and TRIs.
• Expand livelihoods with sustainable, tribal-led development.
• Protect rights over land, forests, and self-governance.

A future built on dignity and inclusion is the true tribute to Birsa Munda—and the path to a more just India.

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