Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025: Date, History, Significance & 150th Birth Anniversary

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025 is celebrated on November 15, 2025, marking the birth anniversary of one of India's most revered tribal freedom fighters and social reformers. Known as "Dharti Aba" or "Father of the Earth," Birsa Munda led a courageous struggle against British colonial exploitation and fought to protect tribal land rights and culture. This day is not only a tribute to his legacy but also a celebration of tribal pride, identity, and empowerment across the country. In 2025, the observance takes on added significance, inspiring tribal communities to continue striving for social justice and economic progress.

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025 Date and Day

The Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025 celebration is exceptionally significant as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of the tribal icon. This event culminates the year-long 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh,' observed across the country by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and other government bodies. Celebrations involve a fortnight-long 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada' from November 1 to 15, 2025, promoting tribal art, culture, and achievements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in a grand celebration in Dediapada, Gujarat, emphasizing the nationwide tribute.

Birsa Munda 150th Birth Anniversary

The year 2025 marks the 150th Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda, making this Jayanti especially significant. On this historic milestone, the government, tribal communities, and various institutions across India are expected to organize large-scale events, exhibitions, cultural programs, and awareness campaigns to honour his contribution to the tribal freedom struggle. The 150th Jayanti also highlights Birsa Munda’s legacy as a symbol of courage, indigenous rights, and Jal-Jangal-Jameen (water, forest, land) protection.

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2025

The decision to declare November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas formalizes the nation's respect for its tribal heroes. It is a constitutional commitment to correct historical neglect and integrate tribal narratives into the mainstream consciousness. The day showcases tribal culture through festivals, exhibitions, and educational programmes in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) nationwide. This observance promotes unity and honours the unique cultural identity and knowledge systems of the tribal communities.

Why is Birsa Munda Jayanti Celebrated? (Significance & Importance)

Birsa Munda Jayanti is celebrated to honour the legacy of Birsa Munda, one of the most influential tribal freedom fighters and social reformers in Indian history. His contributions played a crucial role in protecting tribal rights, culture, land, and identity during British rule.

Significance & Importance of Birsa Munda Jayanti

1. Tribute to a Revolutionary Freedom Fighter

• Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) movement against British colonial policies.

• His revolt challenged unjust land laws that exploited Adivasi communities.

2. Celebration of Tribal Identity & Culture

• He united the Munda, Oraon, and other tribes to resist cultural suppression.

• The day honours the rich heritage, traditions, and values of India’s tribal communities.

3. Recognition of His Fight for Land Rights

• Birsa fought against the British Zamindari system that displaced tribals from their ancestral land.

• His struggle led to later reforms protecting tribal land ownership.

4. Inspiration for Social Reforms

• He encouraged:

  • Ending superstitions

  • Rejecting exploitative practices

  • Promoting social equality and moral discipline

5. National Observance as “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas”

• Since 2021, 15 November is celebrated across India as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

• This acknowledges the crucial role of tribal leaders in India’s freedom struggle.

6. Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary (2025)

• The year 2025 marks 150 years of Birsa Munda’s birth, making the celebration even more significant.

• Special events, cultural programs, and government initiatives are planned nationwide.

Key Government Initiatives and Schemes

The 2025 celebration focuses heavily on the implementation and progress of flagship government schemes for tribal welfare and empowerment. These initiatives aim to bridge developmental gaps and ensure equitable growth for tribal populations.

• PM-JANMAN Abhiyan: The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan focuses on the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Significant progress includes the virtual 'Griha Pravesh' for PM-JANMAN houses and the launch of mobile medical units for remote healthcare access.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA): This scheme, backed by substantial investment, aims to provide basic facilities, employment, and skill training in over 60,000 tribal villages. The goal is to strengthen local livelihoods and curb migration.
• Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: Gujarat's state government has extended this major scheme, allocating ₹1 lakh crore for the socio-economic upliftment of tribals until 2025. This showcases a dedicated focus on their holistic development.
• Commemorative Launches: The Prime Minister is set to launch a commemorative coin and postal stamp marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, formalizing the historical milestone.

The Ulgulan Movement and Tribal Rights

Birsa Munda's most notable contribution was leading the 'Ulgulan' (The Great Tumult), a powerful tribal rebellion against the British colonial land policies and forest laws. This socio-religious-political movement, which began in the Chotanagpur region (now Jharkhand), demanded self-rule and the restoration of tribal land rights (the Khuntkatti system). Birsa's movement directly led to the enactment of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, which provided crucial legal protection to tribal lands, a lasting testament to his impact.

Nationwide Engagement and Cultural Showcases

The 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada' acts as a vibrant national platform for cultural exchange and education.

• Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra: A massive yatra is underway in Gujarat, covering 1,378 km across 14 tribal-dominated districts, showcasing tribal culture and government welfare schemes.
• Art and Education: EMRSs and TRIs are hosting competitions like essay writing, painting, and song contests centered on tribal freedom fighters and heritage, engaging the youth.
• Community Activities: Events include the Tribal Students Sports Meet (Sikkim), tribal melas (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), and the promotion of GI-tagged tribal crafts.

Birsa Munda Memorials and Institutions

To immortalize his legacy, the government continues to invest in institutions dedicated to tribal heritage.

• Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums: Two new Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums and two Tribal Research Institutes have been inaugurated, focusing on the history and culture of the community.

• Birsa Munda Tribal Gaurav Upvans: These commemorative groves are being planned in tribal-dominated districts nationwide, dedicated to memory and ecological conservation.