Punjab declares gazetted holiday on July 31 to mark Udham Singh’s martyrdom; here’s what will remain closed

The Punjab government has declared July 31, 2025, as a gazetted holiday to honour the martyrdom of freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh. On this day, all state government offices, schools, colleges, and government-run corporations will remain closed. This step has been taken to pay tribute to the legendary revolutionary who is remembered for his brave act of avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Shaheed Udham Singh was born in 1899 in Sunam, a town in the Sangrur district of Punjab. He is known across India for assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in London in 1940. This act was a response to the brutal killing of hundreds of innocent Indians at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919. For his action, Udham Singh was executed on July 31, 1940, in Pentonville Prison, London. Every year, this day is observed by many as a symbol of courage and resistance against British rule.

Holiday and state event details

The announcement about the holiday was made by Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Aman Arora. He stated that the decision is not just about declaring a day off, but about showing deep respect for a national hero whose sacrifice has not received enough attention over the years.

A state-level function will be held on July 31 in Sunam, which is Udham Singh’s birthplace. The event will be attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is also the national convener of AAP. Both leaders will offer floral tributes to the martyr and address the gathering. The function will focus on educating the public, especially the youth, about Udham Singh’s life and the reasons behind his revolutionary actions.

As part of the observance, the Bhawanigarh–Sunam–Bhikhi–Kot Shamir road has already been renamed in Udham Singh’s honour. Furthermore, Chief Minister Mann has written to the central government, requesting that the Patiala–Bhawanigarh national highway also be renamed after Udham Singh. This is seen as a step to give long-lasting recognition to the martyr across the state.

Offices and institutions to remain closed

On Wednesday, July 31, the following will remain closed in Punjab:

• All state government offices and departments

• Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities under the Punjab government

• Offices of state-run boards and corporations

These closures are part of the gazetted holiday announced by the government, meaning it is an official day off for public sector employees. Private institutions, however, may choose to remain open depending on their internal policies.

This move has been widely welcomed by both the general public and political figures. Many people have praised the government, especially CM Bhagwant Mann and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, for making an effort to bring attention to an important historical figure. Several citizens shared on social media that this is more than just a holiday—it is a reminder of a forgotten hero’s courage and sacrifice.

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Supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party also said that such efforts help build a stronger connection between the state’s youth and their historical roots. They believe that by recognising national heroes like Udham Singh through official events and road namings, the younger generation will develop a better understanding of India’s freedom struggle.

By declaring a gazetted holiday on July 31 and planning a state-level event in Sunam, the Punjab government is taking important steps to honour the memory of Shaheed Udham Singh. The decision not only allows people to participate in the tribute but also gives official recognition to one of the most fearless revolutionaries in India’s history.

Udham Singh’s actions continue to inspire many Indians, and this holiday serves as a reminder of his contribution. The Punjab government’s efforts to rename roads and organise public events show a strong commitment to preserving historical memory and celebrating national pride.