Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, assumes special significance this year as the country marks his 150th birth anniversary. The day is celebrated to reaffirm India’s unity, integrity, and national solidarity.
Sardar Patel, widely revered as the “Architect of National Unity,” played a pivotal role in the integration of 562 princely states, laying the foundation of modern India. The annual observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas serves as a reminder of his steadfast commitment to national cohesion and his enduring legacy.
Nestled between the Satpura and Vindhyachal ranges, Ekta Nagar in Narmada district, Gujarat, reflects the ethos of “Unity in Diversity” and serves as the venue for this year’s grand celebrations, which include a parade and cultural festival.
The National Unity Day parade will feature contingents from the Central Armed Police Forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), along with police forces from states including Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The parade will also showcase cavalry and camel-mounted units, martial arts demonstrations, and indigenous dog breeds, highlighting the strength, skill, and discipline of India’s security forces.
The participation of women officers and personnel will be prominently featured. The Guard of Honour to the Prime Minister will be led by a female officer, while women of CISF and CRPF will perform martial arts and unarmed combat drills, underscoring the valor of India’s daughters.
Among the highlights of the parade are marching contingents of Indian dog breeds, including Rampur and Mudhol Hounds, Gujarat Police’s Horse Contingent, Assam Police’s Motorcycle Daredevil Show, and the BSF Camel Contingent and Mounted Band. The Mudhol Hound “Riya,” winner of the All India Police Dog Competition, will lead the dog squad this year.
National Cadet Corps cadets and school bands will add further grandeur, conveying the message “Unity is Strength,” while a spectacular aerial display by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team will enhance the celebrations. Ten tableaux from the NSG, NDRF, and various states and union territories, reflecting the theme “Unity in Diversity,” will be part of the parade.
The event will also honour gallantry, with five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and sixteen BSF personnel who distinguished themselves in anti-Naxal and counter-terror operations taking part in the parade.
A cultural programme organized by the Ministry of Culture will feature 900 artists performing classical dances, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and national unity.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations aim to inspire citizens to embrace the values of harmony, patriotism, and national integration. Citizens are encouraged to participate actively in the festivities.
Following the observance, Ekta Nagar will host Bharat Parv from November 1 to 15, 2025, featuring cultural performances and a food festival representing India’s diversity. The celebrations will culminate on November 15 with programmes marking the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, highlighting the resilience and cultural richness of India’s tribal communities.