National Unity Day: why it is observed on 31 October
Observed on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, 31 October — how it began, the "Run for Unity", the unity pledge, and how it differs from similar days.
Rohit Tandon · 27 October 2026 · 4 min read
Every year on 31 October, National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is observed across the country. It is the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, who united more than 560 princely states into one India after independence. On this day the country remembers its "unity in diversity".
National Unity Day at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 31 October every year |
| In memory of | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (born 31 October 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat) |
| Began | 2014 |
| Main events | The "Run for Unity", the unity pledge and a parade at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat |
| In 2026 | Patel's 151st birth anniversary |
How the day began
In 2014 the Government of India announced that Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, 31 October, would be observed every year as "National Unity Day". The aim was to make people aware of the country's unity, integrity and security, and to carry Patel's contribution to the new generation. In 2025, Patel's 150th birth anniversary was marked with special events across the country. Read the full story of the princely states in Sardar Patel and the integration of the princely states.
What happens on this day?
- Run for Unity: "unity runs" are held in cities, schools, colleges and police organisations across the country.
- The unity pledge: in government offices and schools, people pledge to preserve the country's unity, integrity and security.
- Parade at Ekta Nagar: a parade of police and security forces is held near the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat.
- An award: the "Sardar Patel National Unity Award" has also been instituted to honour outstanding contributions to national unity.
Did you know? The "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" programme was announced on National Unity Day, 31 October 2015. Under it, states are paired so that they learn about each other's languages, food, culture and traditions — for example, students of a north Indian state learn a few sentences in the language of a south Indian state.
How it differs from similar days
| Day | Date | Linked with |
|---|---|---|
| National Unity Day | 31 October | Sardar Patel's birth anniversary |
| Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas (National Resolve Day) | 31 October | The death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was killed on this day in 1984 |
| Quami Ekta Week | 19–25 November | National integration and communal harmony; 19 November is Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary |
Read about Indira Gandhi's life in Indira Gandhi's profile.
A glimpse of Sardar Patel's life
Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Patel studied law in London and became a successful lawyer in Ahmedabad. Influenced by Gandhiji, he gave up his practice and led farmers in the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 and the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928. In 1931 he became President of the Congress at its Karachi session. After independence, as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, he strengthened the foundations of the All India Services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), which is why he is also called their father. "Civil Services Day" is observed every year in memory of his speech to new officers on 21 April 1947.
Unity in diversity
India has hundreds of languages, many religions, countless festivals and different foods, yet we are bound together by one Constitution, one tricolour and one national anthem. National Unity Day reminds us that this unity did not come about by itself — visionary leaders worked for it, and keeping it is every citizen's responsibility. India's linguistic diversity: Languages of India.
Key points
- National Unity Day is observed every year on 31 October.
- It is the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on 31 October 1875.
- It began in 2014.
- The day is marked by the "Run for Unity" and the unity pledge.
- "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" was announced on 31 October 2015.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Unity Day observed?
Every year on 31 October, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary.
Since when has National Unity Day been observed?
Since 2014.
More articles: History · History questions.
Sources
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