India observes Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, every year on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The day honours his unmatched role in uniting the country after independence and promoting the idea of unity in diversity.
The year 2025 holds special significance as it marks Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the National Unity Day celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, home to the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Patel.
The Government of India introduced Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in 2014 to pay tribute to Sardar Patel's vision and his contribution to the nation's political integration.
The theme for National Unity Day 2025 is 'Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. It connects the spirit of unity with the idea of self-reliance, aligning with India's vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The theme reflects both Sardar Patel's dream of a united nation and modern India's goal of building collective strength for progress.
Oct 28, 2025
International Animation Day
Every year on October 28, the world celebrates International Animation Day (IAD)—a global homage to the art of animation, observed across more than 50 countries. Spearheaded by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d'Animation), this celebration marks the birth of projected animation, commemorating Émile Reynaud's historic screening using his Théâtre Optique in 1892, Paris.
ASIFA established International Animation Day in 2002 to spotlight animation as a powerful form of artistic and cultural expression.
It honours Reynaud's milestone, the first public performance of animated moving images, which predates traditional film screenings and laid the foundation for modern animation.
Oct 27, 2025
Infantry Day
Infantry Day is celebrated on October 27 to commemorate the Indian Army's first post-independence combat mission in 1947, when the Infantry landed in Srinagar to repel Pakistani invaders. The day honours the bravery of infantry troops, often called the 'Queen of Battle', and their enduring sacrifices in safeguarding national sovereignty and integrity.
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
Every year on October 27, the world celebrates World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH)—a day dedicated to recognising the significance of audiovisual materials in shaping our shared history and cultural identity. These materials—films, recordings, broadcasts, and digital media—offer unique glimpses into the lives, struggles, and stories of people across generations and continents.
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage was established in 2005 by UNESCO.
Oct 24, 2025
World Development Information Day
World Development Information Day is celebrated every year on October 24, coinciding with United Nations Day. This observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, with the primary goal of drawing global attention to development issues and promoting the dissemination of information that supports international cooperation for development.
ITBP Raising Day
ITBP Raising Day is observed every year on October 24 to commemorate the formation of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), a specialised force that guards the Indo-China border across some of the most challenging terrains on earth.
The ITBP Raising Day 2025 marked 63 years of dedicated service, celebrating the courage, discipline, and resilience of personnel who protect India's borders at altitudes often exceeding 14,000 feet.
United Nations Day
United Nations Day is observed every year on October 24 to mark the anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. The United Nations was established after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. On April 25, 1945, 50 government representatives came together in San Francisco to draft the UN Charter. This draft was adopted on June 25 and officially implemented on October 24, marking the birth of the United Nations.
Oct 23, 2025
India Marks International Snow Leopard Day
India celebrated International Snow Leopard Day on Thursday with a unique nationwide campaign, '#23for23', encouraging citizens to dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile mountain habitats.
The celebrations were led by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, who lauded the enthusiastic participation of citizens, institutions, and the Indian Army in the creative campaign.