Guidelines Issued for Nationwide Observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UDN):  : The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, has issued a directive to all States and Union Territories, urging them to ensure grand-scale celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31, 2026, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In an official communication dated October 28, 2026 (D.O. No. I-11/29/2026-Estt.), Rajesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, requested the Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of Panchayati Raj Departments across all States and Union Territories, except Delhi and Chandigarh, to issue necessary instructions to the concerned Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for organising celebrations with enthusiasm and widespread public participation.

The Ministry highlighted that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose contribution to India’s national integration remains a lasting source of inspiration. The occasion aims to reaffirm the country’s collective commitment to national unity, integrity and the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

As part of the national-level celebrations, the grand ‘Ekta Parade’ will be organised at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on the evening of October 31, 2026. Personnel from police and security forces, along with NCC cadets, will participate in the parade. Various tableaux and cultural performances based on the themes of national unity and ‘Vande Mataram’ will also be presented.

In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate ‘Bharat Parv 2026’ on October 30. The event will continue until November 15, 2026, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions, regional cuisines, handicrafts and tourism attractions.

Emphasising the importance of taking the message of national unity and cultural diversity to the grassroots level, the Ministry has underlined the need for active participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural communities in the celebrations.

The Ministry has recommended the following activities to be organised on October 31: