Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on October 31, as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026 celebrations. The evening’s Ekta Parade will highlight the country’s fight against armed Naxalism and its eradication in 2026, alongside cultural performances and initiatives showcasing public participation, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on the upcoming Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and Bharat Parv 2026 celebrations, Mohan said this year’s Ekta Parade would be more vibrant, diverse, and engaging, with several new features reflecting national unity, cultural heritage, and development.
Ekta Diwas to Showcase Police Forces’ Role in Fight Against Naxalism
Mohan said the celebrations at Ekta Nagar have two key objectives: highlighting the work of police forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs), and encouraging people from across the country to visit the Statue of Unity and explore the surrounding attractions.
He said Ekta Nagar has emerged as a prominent tourist destination, with several attractions developed around the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The evening parade will showcase India’s fight against armed Naxalism through three key initiatives. State Police forces and CAPFs that have been at the forefront of the campaign will participate in the parade. As each contingent passes before the Prime Minister on October 31, short films highlighting its achievements will be screened on LED displays.
2,000 Artists from 126 Districts to Portray Impact of Naxalism
The National School of Drama (NSD) will present a performance featuring around 2,000 artists drawn from 126 districts that have experienced armed Naxalism. Through their performances, the artists will portray the struggles of communities whose lives and property were threatened by violence.
Around 5,000 people from these 126 districts have also been invited to attend the celebrations. They will watch the performances and share their experiences of living through the period of armed Naxalism.
Mohan said these three elements would showcase the country’s struggle against armed Naxalism, its eradication and the development taking place in districts that had previously experienced militancy and violence.
Vande Mataram to Be the Theme of Cultural Celebrations
Mohan said Vande Mataram would be the central theme of the cultural events marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, as the country observes the 150th year of the national song. Several new features introduced in this year’s parade have been inspired by Vande Mataram.
15 Tableaux to Feature Designs Submitted by Citizens
In a departure from the conventional practice of having tableaux designed by government ministries, departments and state governments, this year’s celebrations will feature 15 tableaux based on designs submitted by citizens through national-level competitions on the MyGov platform and competitions conducted across Gujarat’s districts.
Mohan said the designs received through these competitions would be brought together to create the 15 tableaux, with the designs originating entirely from public participation rather than government ministries or departments.
He said the initiative marked a shift towards incorporating citizens’ aspirations into tableaux presented at major national events. The public-designed tableaux will be a first at the Ekta Nagar celebrations.
5,000 Artists to Present Cultural Programme Reflecting National Unity
Mohan said the cultural programme would also take a new approach this year, with people from different states who have settled in Gujarat participating in its curation.
The organisers reached out to these communities and invited them to develop performances based on the cultural traditions of their respective states of origin. Around 50 such elements have been brought together into a single cultural presentation featuring approximately 5,000 artists.
The programme, he said, would showcase the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by bringing together the diverse cultural traditions of communities living in Gujarat.
NSD Play to Be Based on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Anandamath’
Mohan said the National School of Drama would stage a major theatrical production for the second consecutive year. While last year’s play focused on Sardar Patel, this year’s production will be based on Anandamath, the landmark novel by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, in keeping with the theme of Vande Mataram.
The play will also draw on the novel’s underlying philosophy that every Indian has a responsibility to help build the country’s future, remain aware of its cultural heritage and contribute to fulfilling the nation’s aspirations.
— PIB inputs
