Gwalior/ Bhopal June 18, 2026

The historic city of Gwalior paid tribute to Rani Lakshmibai on her martyrdom anniversary as the two-day Veerangana Balidan Mela began with the arrival of the Shaheed Jyoti Yatra from Jhansi on Wednesday. The ceremonial flame, brought from the Jhansi Fort, was installed at the warrior queen's memorial, marking the opening of the annual event dedicated to her sacrifice and the legacy of India's freedom struggle.

The Shaheed Jyoti Yatra travelled from Padaav to the Rani Lakshmibai memorial amid patriotic fervour. As the sacred flame was installed, the memorial complex lit up with lamps, creating an atmosphere of remembrance and respect. The procession was led by Vikram Bundela and members of Bundeli Yuva, who brought the flame from Jhansi, the city closely associated with the life of the legendary queen.

State Finance Commission Chairman and Balidan Mela founder Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, along with public representatives, citizens and officials, welcomed the yatra and participated in the ceremony. Senior officials of the Municipal Corporation including Commissioner Sangh Priy, Additional Commissioner T Prateek Rao and district administration were also present.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid tribute to Rani Lakshmibai and remembered her unmatched courage and sacrifice. In his message, the Chief Minister said the warrior queen never bowed before the enemy and continued to fight bravely till her last breath on the battlefield. He said her supreme sacrifice for freedom and the honour of the motherland remains a golden chapter in India's history. Her life, he added, continues to inspire dedication towards the nation and self-respect.

The event also highlighted the historical connection between Gwalior and the 1857 uprising. After leading the resistance against British forces, Rani Lakshmibai reached Gwalior and made her final stand here. She was martyred near Kotah-ki-Serai on June 18, 1858. Her memorial remains one of the most important symbols of India's struggle for freedom.

Following the installation of the martyrs' flame, a special exhibition on Rani Lakshmibai and the First War of Independence was inaugurated. Organised with support from the Culture Department and the Municipal Corporation, the exhibition showcases weapons associated with the era of 1857 and visual displays depicting the lives of Rani Lakshmibai and other women revolutionaries who contributed to India's freedom movement.

Patriotism remained the central theme throughout the opening day. A short play titled "Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap" was staged in the evening. The performance portrayed the bravery, sacrifice and determination of Maharana Pratap and received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

While the opening day centred around the Shaheed Jyoti Yatra, exhibitions and cultural performances, the main programme of the Balidan Mela will be held on Thursday evening. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda is scheduled to attend the event, which will include the "Krantiveer Vanshaj Samman" ceremony, a staging of "Khoob Ladi Mardani" and an All India Kavi Sammelan featuring noted poets from across the country.