Lucknow – In a moving homage to India’s revolutionary heroes, the seven-day Shaheedotsav Rang De Basanti commenced today at Sheroes Café, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The festival, marking the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, aims to take the legacy of freedom fighters directly to the youth through art, culture, and dialogue.
The event is a joint initiative by Dastak, Udaan, Mother Seva Sansthan, the Department of Culture (Uttar Pradesh), and several other organizations, colleges, and universities. The festival, themed “Mela on Martyrs’ Pyres,” seeks to recreate the spirit of 1931, when Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed for their role in India’s freedom struggle.
Artistic Tribute to Martyrs
Young artists kickstarted the event by painting vivid portraits of martyrs and inscribing poetic tributes on canvas. As evening set in, the inauguration ceremony began with a solemn deep prajwalan (lamp lighting), followed by a community art activity where attendees etched messages and drawings on a massive 94-feet-long canvas.
The atmosphere turned emotionally charged when renowned singers Mahendra Pal Singh, Kultar Singh, Vishwas, Seema, Rakesh, and Nidhi Nigam sang stirring patriotic songs such as “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola,” “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon,” “Rang De Basanti,” and “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna.” The audience joined in chorus, turning the event into a heartfelt celebration of national pride.
Dramatic Silence and Reverence
At exactly 7:15 pm, event hosts Sangeeta Jaiswal and Karan Kashyap turned off all lights, and attendees lit candles in remembrance of the martyrs. A two-minute silence was observed to honor the exact moment the revolutionaries were hanged in 1931.
Adding to the emotional gravity, acclaimed actor Ravi Mishra delivered a dramatic reading of Ashfaqulla Khan’s final letter, referencing the ideals of the Hindustan Republican Association, captivating the audience with its historical and philosophical depth.
The venue was meticulously decorated with symbols of the freedom struggle – replicas of the Kakori train, gallows, jail uniforms of martyrs, and rare photographs, transporting visitors back to the era of revolutionary fervor.
Poster Exhibition ‘Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani’ Launched
The event also marked the opening of a poster exhibition titled “Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani”. From March 24 to March 29, this exhibition will travel to different colleges across Lucknow, featuring posters, quizzes, and cultural activities that focus on India’s freedom movement. The goal is to promote student engagement and creative participation beyond traditional spectator roles.
Decentralized Outreach to Youth
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is its decentralized format, aiming to reach a wider youth audience by bringing the message of sacrifice and patriotism directly to campuses. Organizers emphasized the need to move away from lavish setups and instead focus on meaningful engagement through simple yet impactful mediums such as music, paintings, exhibitions, quizzes, and theatre.
Speaking to the audience, organizers reflected on the incredible sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev at the tender age of 23-24, stressing the importance of passing on their ideals through cultural and creative expression.
Upcoming Events and Grand Finale
As the festival progresses, it will include panel discussions, street plays, dance dramas, daastangoi (storytelling), and awareness competitions. On March 27, marking World Theatre Day, Mother Seva Sansthan will present a play based on the life and ideology of Bhagat Singh.
The grand finale on March 29 will witness participation from the families of revolutionaries, along with the staging of a theatre production inspired by their sacrifices.
Celebrating 100 Years of Kakori Action
This year also marks the centenary of the Kakori Action, a significant event led by revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Thakur Roshan Singh in Kakori, Lucknow. Organizers noted that the event’s legacy, including the trial at Hazratganj Court, continues to inspire generations.
Prominent attendees at today’s inauguration included Professor Seema Sarkar, Kanak Rekha Chauhan, theatre artist Rakesh, Shivlika, Veena Rana, Shweta Tripathi of Udaan, Himanshu Shukla of Art Village, and numerous distinguished citizens, all united in honoring India’s timeless spirit of freedom.
