Bhubaneswar, June 30: Describing Hul Diwas as "an immortal symbol of courage, self-strength, struggle and sacrifice of our tribal society," Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the immortal heroes of the Santhal Hul, saying their unmatched bravery, sacrifice and fight for dignity against British oppression would continue to inspire generations to come.
Observed annually on June 30, Hul Diwas commemorates the historic Santhal Hul (Rebellion) of 1855, one of the earliest and most significant tribal uprisings against British colonial rule in India. The day honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the Santhal community in their fight against exploitation, injustice and colonial oppression.
ହୁଲ୍ ଦିବସ ଆମ ଆଦିବାସୀ ସମାଜର ଅଦମ୍ୟ ସାହସ, ଆତ୍ମବଳ, ସଂଘର୍ଷ ଓ ବଳିଦାନର ଅମର ପ୍ରତୀକ । ଏହି ପବିତ୍ର ଅବସରରେ ହୁଲ୍ ବିଦ୍ରୋହର ଅମର ବୀର ସଂଗ୍ରାମୀମାନଙ୍କୁ ମୋର ବିନମ୍ର ପ୍ରଣାମ । ବ୍ରିଟିଶ ଶାସନର ଅନ୍ୟାୟ ଓ ଶୋଷଣ ବିରୋଧରେ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଅଦ୍ୱିତୀୟ ସାହସ, ତ୍ୟାଗ ଓ ସ୍ୱାଭିମାନର ସଂଗ୍ରାମ ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ି ପାଇଁ ସଦାସର୍ବଦା ପ୍ରେରଣାର… pic.twitter.com/kMDydTJM9R
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) June 30, 2026
The rebellion began on June 30, 1855, under the leadership of tribal icons Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, along with their brothers Chand and Bhairab, and sisters Phulo and Jhano. Thousands of Santhals rose against the exploitative policies of the British administration, oppressive zamindars and moneylenders, who had deprived tribal communities of their land, livelihood and dignity.
The word "Hul" in the Santhali language means "revolution" or "uprising." Although the movement was eventually crushed by the British, it marked a defining chapter in India's freedom struggle and remains a powerful symbol of tribal resistance, self-respect and the fight for justice.
Hul Diwas is observed across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar through commemorative events, cultural programmes and tributes to the martyrs. The occasion also recognises the invaluable contribution of tribal communities to India's freedom movement and celebrates their rich cultural heritage.
As the nation marks Hul Diwas, people across the country remember the legendary Santhal warriors whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom.