About National Unity Day
National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on 31 October 1875, who as India's first Home Minister brought the princely states into the Union. The Government of India began observing it in 2014 with a unity pledge and the Run for Unity. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
In August 1947, India on the map was a patchwork. British India had been partitioned, but around 560 princely states, from tiny estates to Hyderabad and Kashmir, were legally free to choose their future. National Unity Day remembers the man who, with V. P. Menon, secretary of the States Ministry, got almost all of them to join India within two years.
Why is National Unity Day celebrated on 31 October?
National Unity Day falls on 31 October because Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on that day in 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. The Government of India began observing the date as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in 2014. The Home Ministry said the day would give an opportunity to reaffirm the nation's strength and resilience against threats to its unity, integrity and security.
31 October is also the death anniversary of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, assassinated in 1984, which the Congress party marks as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas. National Unity Day should not be confused with National Integration Day on 19 November, Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary.
How did Sardar Patel unite India?
Sardar Patel united India by persuading, and sometimes pressuring, the rulers of the princely states to sign the Instrument of Accession, first for defence, foreign affairs and communications, and later full merger. As Home Minister and head of the States Department, working with V. P. Menon, he offered rulers privy purses and titles in return for their states, while making clear that holding out was not a real option.
- 1918Kheda
Patel organises the Kheda Satyagraha for farmers hit by crop failure.
- 1928Bardoli
Leads the Bardoli Satyagraha against a land revenue increase; the farmers start calling him "Sardar", chief.
- August 1947Accession
Most princely states sign the Instrument of Accession before 15 August.
- 1947–48Junagadh
The Nawab accedes to Pakistan; after Indian pressure and a plebiscite in February 1948, Junagadh joins India.
- September 1948Hyderabad
Operation Polo brings Hyderabad into India after the Nizam holds out.
- 15 December 1950Death
Patel dies in Bombay.
- 1991Bharat Ratna
Awarded posthumously.
Patel also argued for keeping the all-India services, which later became the IAS and IPS, calling them the steel frame that would hold the country's administration together. Every IAS and IPS officer is, in that sense, part of his work.
How is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observed?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed with the unity pledge, the Run for Unity and, since 2025, a national parade at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. It is not a public holiday.
- The pledge. Central and state government offices, schools and colleges read the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge, committing to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation and to spread that message.
- Run for Unity. Short runs are held in towns and cities, with police, students and residents taking part. When 31 October falls on Diwali, as it did in 2024, the run is held a day or two early; in 2024 it was on 29 October.
- Ekta Nagar. The Statue of Unity, 182 metres high and designed by the sculptor Ram V. Sutar, was inaugurated on 31 October 2018 on Sadhu Bet island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. For the 150th birth anniversary in 2025, a Republic Day-style parade was held there, with police contingents from several states, central armed police forces and NCC cadets, and the Home Minister announced it would become an annual event.
Counts of the princely states vary between about 560 and 565 depending on how small estates are counted.
What to write on National Unity Day
A National Unity Day message works best when it points to something specific that ties people together: a shared Constitution, colleagues from different states, a friend from a different community. Patel's work was practical, so practical messages suit the day.
Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Our team has people from eight states and five languages. That is the India Sardar Patel held together.
On National Unity Day, remember that in 1947 India was hundreds of separate states. Patel spent his last years making it one. Look after it.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas ki shubhkamnayein. Thank you for raising us to have friends from every community.
On Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, a thank-you to the steel frame. Your work keeps the country running every day.
Happy Ekta Diwas. Sardar was born in Nadiad and remembered all over India. Say hello to the Statue of Unity for me.
On National Unity Day, wishing everyone the same thing: a country where no one has to choose between their identity and India.
Do
- Mention the integration of the princely states; it is what the day is for.
- Keep messages inclusive of every language, religion and region.
- Join the pledge or Run for Unity at your office or school if one is held.
Avoid
- Don't use the day to attack other political leaders or parties.
- Avoid messages that pit one community against another; that is the opposite of the day's purpose.
- Remember that 31 October is also Indira Gandhi's death anniversary; some colleagues may be marking that.
For other days on the national calendar, see Parakram Diwas for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October, and the 2026 calendar.
How to wish someone on National Unity Day
A National Unity Day message is about belonging together across language, religion and region, and about Patel's practical work in making one country out of hundreds of states. Keep it inclusive; the day is about unity, so a wish that singles out a group for criticism defeats itself. Plain English or Hindi "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas ki shubhkamnayein" both work.
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
When is National Unity Day in 2026 and 2027?
National Unity Day is on 31 Oct every year. Only the weekday changes.
- 2026
- 2027
Frequently asked questions
When is National Unity Day in 2026?
National Unity Day 2026 falls on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Why is Sardar Patel called the Iron Man of India?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is called the Iron Man of India for the firmness with which he integrated the princely states after independence. As Home Minister he secured the accession of more than 560 states, including Junagadh and Hyderabad, within about two years.
What is the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge?
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge is a short oath read in government offices, schools and colleges on 31 October. Participants pledge to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation and to spread this message among fellow citizens.
What is the Run for Unity?
The Run for Unity is a public run held across India on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to honour Sardar Patel. It began in 2014, and when 31 October clashes with Diwali, it is held a day or two earlier.
What is the difference between National Unity Day and National Integration Day?
National Unity Day, on 31 October, marks Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary and his integration of the princely states. National Integration Day, on 19 November, is the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi and is linked to communal harmony.
How tall is the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity, a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Narmada district, is 182 metres tall. It was inaugurated on 31 October 2018 and was designed by the sculptor Ram V. Sutar.
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .