Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is being celebrated this year with special grandeur to mark his 150th birth anniversary. The day underscores India’s unity, integrity, and national solidarity, while paying tribute to Patel’s pivotal role in uniting 565 princely states and laying the foundation of modern India.
The celebrations this year are being held in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat, a location symbolically chosen to reflect the nation’s “Unity in Diversity” through its natural beauty and cultural richness. The centerpiece of the occasion is a grand parade and cultural festival featuring contingents from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State Police forces, and the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
The parade will witness participation from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and police forces from Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Cavalry and camel-mounted contingents, demonstrations by indigenous dog breeds, martial arts, and unarmed combat drills will add to the spectacle.
Highlighting the empowerment of women, the Guard of Honor presented to the Prime Minister will be led by a female officer. Women personnel from CISF and CRPF will perform martial arts and combat drills, showcasing courage and discipline. Indigenous dog breeds, including the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol Hound, will demonstrate their skills, reflecting their historical contribution to national security. Notably, the Mudhol Hound “Riya,” winner of the All India Police Dog Competition, will lead the dog squad.
The parade will also feature the Gujarat Police’s Horse Contingent, Assam Police’s Motorcycle Daredevil Show, BSF’s Camel Contingent and Camel Mounted Band, along with NCC cadets and school bands delivering the message “Unity is Strength.” A spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team will further elevate the grandeur.
Tableaux from different states and union territories, including NSG, NDRF, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Puducherry, will represent the theme “Unity in Diversity.” Brass bands from BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, Delhi Police, and various state police forces will add to the celebratory atmosphere. The parade will honour five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and 16 gallantry medal winners from BSF for their bravery in anti-Naxal and counter-terror operations, including Operation Sindoor on the western border.
Alongside the parade, a cultural program organized by the Ministry of Culture will feature performances by 900 artists, highlighting India’s classical dances and diverse cultural heritage.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations aim to inspire citizens to embrace the spirit of national unity, harmony, and patriotism. From November 1 to 15, 2025, Ekta Nagar will host Bharat Parv, showcasing cultural performances and a food festival from across India. The festival will culminate on November 15 with special programs celebrating Birsa Munda Jayanti, honoring the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of India’s tribal communities.
