National Forest Martyrs Day 2023

• National Forest Martyrs' Day is celebrated every year on 11 September.

• This day is celebrated to honor the sacrifices made by individuals for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

• It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our forests, wildlife and natural resources.

• However, the history of this day can be traced back to the Khejarli massacre in 1730.

• In 1730, the historic Khejarli massacre occurred within the Marwar Empire when Maharaja Abhay Singh of Rajasthan ordered the cutting of trees in the Bishnoi village of Khejarli to obtain wood for a new palace.

• The Bishnoi community, led by Amrita Devi, strongly opposed this action and were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect the forest. The decision was eventually rescinded.

• In memory of the sacrifices made by the Bishnoi community, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change chose 11 September to observe National Forest Martyrs' Day in 2013.