India's Important National Days and Dates
A single, month-by-month list for the frequently repeated "which day is observed on which date" questions in Patwari's GK-India section.
- GK-India · National Days
- 6 min read
The Three Most Important National Days
Three days in India have the special status of "National Festivals" — 26 January (Republic Day), 15 August (Independence Day), and 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti). These three days are national public holidays and are celebrated with equal enthusiasm across the country.
Besides these, many other days dedicated to different fields (science, education, sports, health) are also observed every year on a fixed date — Patwari exam questions can ask about both the date and the reason for these.
Important National Days Through the Year
| Date | Day | Reason/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 24 January | National Girl Child Day | Awareness about the rights and welfare of girls |
| 26 January | Republic Day | The Constitution came into force on this day in 1950 |
| 28 February | National Science Day | Marks C.V. Raman's announcement of the discovery of the "Raman Effect" (1928) |
| 21 March | World Forestry Day | On the importance of forest conservation |
| 5 June | World Environment Day | Declared by the United Nations |
| 21 June | International Yoga Day | Recognised by the United Nations from 2015, on India's proposal |
| 1 July | National Doctors' Day | In honour of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy's birth and death anniversary (both on the same date) |
| 15 August | Independence Day | India became independent on this day in 1947 |
| 5 September | Teachers' Day | In honour of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (India's second President, born on this day) |
| 2 October | Gandhi Jayanti | Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (1869) |
| 31 October | National Unity Day | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birthday (1875) |
| 14 November | Children's Day | Birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister) |
This list covers fixed dates that repeat every year — for newly declared special observance days, check the Current Affairs section.
Frequently Asked Questions
In whose honour is Teachers' Day observed?+
In honour of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President and a renowned teacher-philosopher — his birthday is 5 September.
When and why is National Unity Day observed?+
On 31 October, on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birthday — it has been observed since 2014, in honour of his role in the integration of the princely states.
What is the date and reason for National Science Day?+
28 February — to mark C.V. Raman's 1928 announcement of the discovery of the "Raman Effect".
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