Learning Objectives
Let Us Begin!

Do you get a holiday on 15th August and 26th January? Do you know why? These are very special days for our country. India celebrates several national days to remember important events and great leaders. Let us learn about them!

The Three Most Important National Days

1. Republic Day -- 26th January

On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect. The Constitution is a book of rules that tells how our country should be governed. A grand parade is held at Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) in New Delhi. The President of India takes the salute. Tableaux from different states are displayed.

2. Independence Day -- 15th August

On this day in 1947, India became free from British rule. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and gives a speech to the nation. Schools, offices, and homes celebrate with flag hoisting and patriotic songs.

3. Gandhi Jayanti -- 2nd October

This is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. People pay tribute at Raj Ghat in Delhi, where Gandhiji was cremated. Prayer meetings and cleanliness drives are held.

Other Important Days
DayDateWhy We Celebrate
Children's Day14th NovemberBirthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, who loved children
Teachers' Day5th SeptemberBirthday of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a great teacher and President
National Unity Day31st OctoberBirthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who united India
Martyrs' Day30th JanuaryThe day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. We remember all martyrs.
National Science Day28th FebruaryCelebrates the discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman
Key Words and Meanings
WordMeaning
ConstitutionThe book of rules and laws that governs a country
RepublicA country where the people choose their leaders
IndependenceFreedom from the rule of another country
PatrioticHaving love and pride for one's country
MartyrA person who dies for their country or a great cause
TributeShowing respect and honour to someone
Key Points to Remember
Practice Questions

A. Fill in the Blanks:

  1. Republic Day is celebrated on .
  2. The Prime Minister hoists the flag at the on Independence Day.
  3. Gandhi Jayanti is on .
  4. Children's Day is celebrated on the birthday of .
  5. The Constitution of India came into effect in the year .

B. Match the Day with the Date:

National DayDate
Independence Day
Republic Day
Teachers' Day
Gandhi Jayanti
Children's Day

(26th January, 15th August, 2nd October, 5th September, 14th November)

C. Multiple Choice Questions:

  1. Who hoists the flag on Independence Day?
    (a) President(b) Prime Minister(c) Chief Minister
  2. Republic Day parade is held at:
    (a) Red Fort(b) India Gate(c) Kartavya Path
  3. Martyrs' Day is observed on:
    (a) 30th January(b) 26th January(c) 15th August

D. Short Answer Questions:

  1. Why do we celebrate Republic Day?
  2. How is Independence Day celebrated in your school?
Think and Do -- Fun Activity

National Day Calendar: Make a small calendar showing all the national days you learned. Decorate it with the Indian flag colours (saffron, white, green). Write the name and date of each day.

Patriotic Song: Write the first two lines of any patriotic song you know.