India Celebrates Haifa Day, Honouring the Heroic Mysore Lancers of 1918

Tags: Important Days

Haifa Day was observed in New Delhi on 23 September to honour the martyrs of the Battle of Haifa.

An Overview of the News

• The event was marked by the presence of the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.

Historical Significance of the Battle of Haifa (1918)

• Indian soldiers from the British Indian Army fought the Battle of Haifa during World War I in 1918.

• The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Indian soldiers against the Ottoman Empire and German forces.

• The bravery of these soldiers has been remembered and celebrated for 106 years on Haifa Day.

Role of Mysore Lancers in the Battle

• The Mysore Lancers, soldiers of the Mysore Maharaja, played a crucial role in the Battle of Haifa.

• Armed only with lances and swords, they charged against heavily armed Ottoman and German troops.

• Their courageous actions secured the city of Haifa and saved over 1,350 enemy troops with minimal casualties.

Rescue of Bahá’í Leader Abdul Baha

• A significant aspect of the Lancers’ bravery was rescuing Abdul Baha, the spiritual leader of the Bahá’í faith, from execution.

• The operation, led by Col J Desraj Urs and Lt Col Chamaraj Urs, was commissioned by Mysore Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.

• The rescue transcended religious and national borders, reinforcing the Bahá’í faith's message of unity, aligned with the Hindu philosophy of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.