India Celebrates 151st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders observed National Unity Day to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in integrating India's princely states.
India observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31, 2026, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the commemorations at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where he witnessed the Ekta Diwas Parade and visited the nearby Valley of Flowers. The 2026 celebrations specifically highlighted the end of armed Naxalism, featuring a parade of security forces and performances by 2,000 artists from formerly affected districts.
In New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan offered floral tributes at Sardar Patel Chowk and Gantantra Mandap. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the 'Run for Unity' marathon at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, noting that Patel forged a united India in just 1,218 days. Similar marathons were held across various states to honor Patel's legacy as the architect of the political integration of over 560 princely states and the creator of the All India Services.
Political leaders across the spectrum paid tribute to the former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi described Patel as the builder of modern India, while YSR Congress Party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also shared tributes. The government also announced Bharat Parv, a national cultural festival scheduled for November 1–15, 2026, to continue the celebrations.
