On the Occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary – ‘National Unity Day’ and ‘Bharat Parv 2025’

A celebration reflecting unity in diversity through national integration

Every year, October 31 is celebrated as National Unity Day on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The day is observed as a symbol of India’s unity, integrity, and national integration. On this occasion, various programmes have been organised across the country from October 30 to November 15, under the themes of ‘National Unity Day’ and ‘Bharat Parv 2025’.

India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, achieved the geographical and political integration of the nation after independence by merging princely states into the Indian Union. His qualities of firm decision-making, diplomacy, moral courage, patriotism, and commitment to national unity defined his leadership. Through his courageous leadership and diplomatic vision, he laid the foundation for India’s integrity. In his memory, the 182-metre-tall ‘Statue of Unity’ built in Gujarat is today the tallest statue in the world, which was visited by 6.059 million tourists in 2024–25.

A National Festival Conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

This initiative, launched under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to awaken the spirit of nation-building among youth, volunteers, and citizens. To promote participatory nation-building, various activities have been organised to encourage youth, volunteers, citizens, and all sections of society to take active part in the process.

To introduce the youth to the work and ideals of Sardar Patel, various programmes are being held at both national and state levels. As part of this, a National March will begin on November 26 from Karamsad, Ahmedabad (the birthplace of Sardar Patel) and conclude at the Statue of Unity, Kevadia. During this journey, youth, My Bharat volunteers, NSS, and young leaders will participate in various social development activities. Along the route — at 150 locations across villages and districts — exhibitions, cultural programmes, and “Sardar Gatha” sessions based on his life will be organised, highlighting the inspiring work of Sardar Patel.

To participate in this initiative, online registration can be done on the My Bharat portal at
👉 https://mybharat.gov.in/pages/unitymarch.
Further information is available on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports website:
👉 https://mybharat.gov.in.
The government has appealed to all youth in the country to join this historic and inspiring ‘Sardar@150 Unity Campaign’.

Various Programmes under Bharat Parv in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, several events will be held from October 31 to November 15. With the objective of inspiring the youth with the Iron Man’s ideas and strengthening social commitment, Sports Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate has appealed for maximum youth participation.

District administrations, Sports Departments, My Bharat, NSS, NCC, and local authorities will jointly organise district-level marches of 8–10 km, along with essay and debate competitions, seminars, and street plays on Sardar Patel’s life. Activities such as the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, yoga and health camps, cleanliness drives, Swadeshi fairs, Atmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, and cultural performances will also take place.
Every state, through such innovative programmes and competitions, will enthusiastically celebrate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Jayanti across India.

‘Swarajya: The Thread of Unity’

This year, at the National Parade in Gujarat, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, will present a tableau based on the theme “Swarajya: The Thread of Unity.” It will showcase glimpses of the state’s glorious history and spirit of unity. A team of 14 artists will perform a cultural presentation alongside this tableau.
The main celebration of the festival will be held on November 7 and 8, 2025, featuring 15–20 performers showcasing folk traditions of Maharashtra, including Gondhal, Koli Dance, Lavani, and presentations based on the Wari tradition.
Through these activities, Maharashtra’s historical, cultural, and folk heritage will be effectively showcased at the national and inter-state levels.

Grand Bharat Parv Celebration in Gujarat

The main national celebration of National Unity Day, conceptualised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take place at Ekta Nagar (Narmada district), Gujarat. A grand parade and cultural festival will be organised.
During the parade, CAPF and police contingents from various states will demonstrate their bravery, discipline, and skill. Forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and police units from Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and Chhattisgarh will participate. There will also be displays of cavalry, camel contingents, Indian dog breeds, and demonstrations of martial arts and unarmed combat.

In the cultural programme organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, 900 artists will convey the message of India’s cultural diversity and national unity through classical dance performances.

Unity in Diversity through Bharat Parv

The grand celebration, to be held from November 1 to 15, 2025, will include cultural performances from various states, handicraft exhibitions, and a food festival. The event will conclude on November 15 with the celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jayanti.
During the valedictory cultural programme, 900 artists will perform Indian classical dances, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and unity.

At the venue in Gujarat, a 1,800 sq. metre grand area will be developed by the Gujarat Tourism Department, featuring a single dome (German hanger structure). The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will allocate dedicated spaces for state and union territory pavilions and central ministries, each measuring 5m x 5m.

There will be 100 stalls — 45 for food and 55 for handicrafts.
Handicraft stalls will be set up by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms & Handicrafts), Government of India, and five stalls by the Tribal Development Department. These stalls will be spread over 10.8 sq. metres and managed by the Gujarat Tourism Department.

Of the 45 food stalls, five will be managed by the Tribal Development Department, 30 by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI), and the remaining by the Tourism Development Department.

A studio kitchen will be set up by IHM Gandhinagar in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, from November 1 to 15.
Temporary accommodation will be arranged for vendors and food stall operators.
Through these exhibitions, stalls, and cultural centres showcasing different states, visitors and youth participants will experience unity in diversity — the essence of Bharat Parv.

Renewed Enthusiasm for ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’

As per the Government of India’s directive, 31 states and Union Territories will pair up (two at a time) to organise ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ programmes under Bharat Parv, promoting inter-state cultural exchange and national unity.