National Forest Martyrs Day on September 11: History of the 1730 Khejarli Sacrifice and Amrita Devi Bishnoi

Key facts

• National Forest Martyrs Day is observed in India every year on September 11 to honour forest personnel who lost their lives protecting forests, wildlife and natural heritage.
• The date marks the anniversary of the Khejarli sacrifice of 1730 in present-day Rajasthan, when soldiers of the Jodhpur kingdom came to Khejarli village to cut Khejri trees and members of the Bishnoi community, led by Amrita Devi, opposed the felling.
• According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, more than 360 people (specifically 363) were killed during the protest.
• The Ministry of Environment and Forests instituted the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award to honour individuals and institutions making significant contributions to wildlife protection.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has referred to the Bishnoi community's resistance under Amrita Devi as an early example of women-led climate and environmental action in India.
• In 2025, National Forest Martyrs Day was observed at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, where officials, scientists, trainees and forest service personnel paid floral tributes.
• The legacy of Amrita Devi is also being preserved through the development of the Amrita Devi Eco Park in Gudamalani, Rajasthan, commemorating the 363 martyrs.