Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed on Saturday, 31 October 2026, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. A Run for Unity is planned at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, along with runs and pledge events across the country.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026: key facts
- Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Occasion: 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (born 31 October 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat)
- Observed since: 2014
- Main events: Run for Unity, unity pledge in offices and schools, programmes at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
- Holiday: not a national gazetted holiday; offices and banks follow their usual schedules
Why Sardar Patel is called the Iron Man of India
After independence in 1947, India had more than 560 princely states. As Home Minister, Sardar Patel, with his secretary V P Menon, persuaded almost all of them to join the Indian Union, which shaped the map of the country. His firm handling of this task earned him the title “Iron Man of India”. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1991. He died on 15 December 1950.
Run for Unity
The Run for Unity is held in cities, towns and campuses on 31 October. Government departments, police, schools, colleges and residents’ groups take part, and participants usually take the national unity pledge before the run. A central government notice lists the Delhi run at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on 31 October 2026. Check your district administration, school or office for local timings.
Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, is the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres. It was inaugurated on 31 October 2018. In past years Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute there on Ekta Diwas and reviewed the Ekta Diwas parade.
Also on 31 October
31 October is also the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1984. It is observed by many as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas.
Quick answers
Why is 31 October celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas? It is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, honouring his role in uniting India.
Is 31 October 2026 a holiday? It is not a national gazetted holiday.
How tall is the Statue of Unity? 182 metres.
Questions to think about
- What does national unity mean to you in 2026?
- How should schools teach young people about the integration of the princely states?
- Do events like Run for Unity build a lasting sense of togetherness?
Sources: Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), central government notice on Run for Unity 2026, Statue of Unity official information.
