Patriot Day in Manipur is an annual observance held on August 13th, commemorating the supreme sacrifices made by numerous Manipuri patriots during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. This day specifically honors those who bravely resisted British colonial expansion and were subsequently executed for their role in defending the kingdom's sovereignty.
The historical context of Patriot Day centers on the culmination of the Anglo-Manipur War, which resulted in the British annexation of the independent kingdom of Manipur. On August 13, 1891, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit, the then-Crown Prince, and General Thangal, a distinguished military commander, were publicly hanged by the British colonial authorities at Mapan Kangjeibung (now Polo Ground) in Imphal. Their execution, along with the subsequent deportation or execution of other leaders, marked a pivotal moment of colonial subjugation but also solidified their status as martyrs for Manipuri independence.
Today, Patriot Day serves as a potent reminder of Manipuri valor, resistance against foreign domination, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for their land and people. The observance fosters a strong sense of cultural identity and collective memory, with ceremonies, floral tributes, and public gatherings held across the state, particularly at the Martyrs' Memorial Complex in Bir Tikendrajit Park, to honor the fallen heroes and reiterate the importance of sovereignty and self-determination.
