War Memorials: Shaheed Diwas, observed on March 23rd, is a special day in India to honor the sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. These brave souls were martyred in 1931 while fighting for India’s freedom. As Shaheed Diwas 2025 approaches, it is a time to remember their courage and the sacrifices of countless others who gave their lives for the nation.
One meaningful way to honour them is by visiting war memorials across India, which stand as symbols of gratitude and remembrance. This article will explain the importance of Shaheed Diwas, suggest some war memorials to visit in 2025, and share tips for planning your trip.
Top War Memorials to Visit in India on Shaheed Diwas 2025
National War Memorial, New Delhi
The National War Memorial, near India Gate, was opened in 2019 to honor soldiers who died for India after independence. It has four circles: Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality), Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery), Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice), and Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection). The memorial pays tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, with an eternal flame representing their undying spirit. Over 26,000 soldiers’ names are carved on the walls. The evening ceremony, when the Amar Jawan Jyoti is lit, is a deeply emotional experience. The memorial’s size and solemn atmosphere remind us of the cost of war.
Chandigarh War Memorial, Chandigarh
Located in the Bougainvillea Garden in Sector 3, the Chandigarh War Memorial is the largest post-independence war memorial in India. It honours soldiers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy who died for the country. Inaugurated in 2006 by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the memorial has pink sandstone walls and black granite plaques with the names of the fallen. It is a peaceful place to remember the bravery of India’s armed forces.
Kargil War Memorial, Dras, Ladakh
The Kargil War Memorial in Dras is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War. It has a sandstone wall with the names of martyrs and the ‘Operation Vijay’ victory flame. The memorial stands as a proud reminder of India’s victory against infiltrators. The rugged landscape around the memorial adds to the feeling of reflection and respect.
Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Amritsar, Punjab
Jallianwala Bagh is a historic site in Amritsar, Punjab, where a tragic massacre took place on April 13, 1919. British troops fired on a peaceful gathering of Indians, killing hundreds. Today, the site is a national memorial with preserved bullet marks, the Martyrs’ Well, and a memorial flame. It also has a museum and gallery to educate visitors about this dark chapter in India’s struggle for freedom.
Rezang La War Memorial, Ladakh
The Rezang La War Memorial honors the 114 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment who fought bravely in the 1962 Indo-China War. This memorial is a tribute to their courage, especially Major Shaitan Singh, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, after his death. The serene yet solemn location makes it a must-visit to pay respects to these heroes.
Victory at Sea Memorial, Visakhapatnam
The Victory at Sea Memorial in Visakhapatnam honors the bravery of the Indian Navy and the Eastern Naval Command during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. It was built in 1996 to remember India’s victory, especially the sinking of the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi. This was an important moment in the war. The memorial is located on Beach Road and displays military artifacts such as missiles and fighter planes. It is a place of respect and patriotism where people come to remember the sacrifices of the armed forces. Many tourists visit this memorial along with nearby attractions like Ramakrishna Beach and the INS Kursura Submarine Museum.
Tawang War Memorial, Arunachal Pradesh
The Tawang War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh is a tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1962 war between India and China. It is in the beautiful Tawang Valley and is also known as Namgyal Chorten. The memorial has a large stupa-like structure with the names of over 2,000 fallen soldiers engraved on it. It reminds visitors of their courage and the hardships of the war. The site also has a museum displaying war artifacts and a sound and light show that tells the story of the battle. This memorial is not only a place for remembrance but also a significant tourist destination that showcases the region’s history.
Victory War Memorial, Chennai
The Victory War Memorial in Chennai was first called Cupid’s Bow. It is an obelisk-shaped monument that honours soldiers who lost their lives in different wars. It was originally built to mark the Allied victory in World War I, but later, it also became a tribute to those who fought in World War II and wars like the Indo-Pakistani and Sino-Indian conflicts. The memorial is near Marina Beach and has inscriptions in multiple languages. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers from the Madras Presidency and other regions. Today, it is an important historical landmark, connecting Chennai to both national and global events.
