Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is also being celebrated, marking the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

• Government declared 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021.

About Birsa Munda: 

• Early Life: 
  • Born in Ulihatu Khunti district, Jharkhand in 1875 with birth name Daud Munda.
  • Belonged to the Munda tribe of the Chhotanagpur plateau area, present day Jharkhand.
• His Teachings and Beliefs:
  • Monotheism: Founded a new sect known as the Birsait, Birsa preached belief in one God.
  • Revival of Tribal Faith: He rejected the influence of Christian missionaries and sought to reform traditional Munda religious practices.
  • Moral Discipline: He emphasized Cleanliness, Hard work, Avoiding alcohol & Purity in personal and social life.
• Contribution to Colonial Resistance:
  •  Provided leadership to Munda rebellion also known as the "Ulgulan (Great Tumult) movement”.
  • He is remembered as Bhagwan (God) and was given the title of Dharti Aaba (Father of Earth).
• Death & Legacy
  • Died in Ranchi Jail due to an illness on June 9, 1900.
  • His movement contributed to repealing of begar system and led to Tenancy Act (1903) which recognised the khuntkhatti system. 
  • Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) later banned passage of tribal land to non-tribal folks.