EVS / Science
National Days of India
Learning Objectives
- I can explain what national days are and why we celebrate them.
- I can name the important national days of India and their dates.
- I can describe how Republic Day and Independence Day are celebrated.
- I can tell who Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Dr Radhakrishnan were.
- I can explain the importance of each national day.
- I can describe how we celebrate national days in school.
What Are National Days?
National days are special days that are important for our whole country. On these days, we remember great events in our history and honour the leaders who made India a free and strong nation.
National days are celebrated all over India — in schools, offices, and public places. The government declares these as national holidays so everyone can participate in the celebrations.
Let us learn about the important national days of India!
🇮🇳 Republic Day — 26th January
Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January every year. On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect. The Constitution is the book of rules that tells how our country should be governed.
- India became a Republic — meaning the people choose their own leaders.
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar is called the Father of the Indian Constitution.
- A grand parade is held at Kartavya Path (earlier called Rajpath) in New Delhi.
- The President of India hoists the national flag.
- A chief guest (usually a leader from another country) is invited.
- The parade shows our army, navy, air force, colourful tableaux from different states, and school children performing.
- The celebration ends with the Beating Retreat ceremony on 29th January.
Did you know? The Republic Day parade is watched by millions of people on TV. School children from all over India are selected to march in the parade!
🇮🇳 Independence Day — 15th August
Independence Day is celebrated on 15th August every year. On this day in 1947, India became free from British rule after nearly 200 years.
- Many freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh fought for our freedom.
- The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi.
- The PM gives a speech to the nation from the Red Fort.
- People sing patriotic songs and remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
- Schools, offices, and buildings are decorated with the tricolour (saffron, white, green).
- Kite flying is a popular tradition on Independence Day in many parts of India.
On Republic Day, the President hoists the flag. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag. Remember this difference!
🕊️ Gandhi Jayanti — 2nd October
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October — the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi).
- Mahatma Gandhi is called the Father of the Nation.
- He led India's freedom struggle through non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (satya).
- He believed in peace — fighting without weapons, only with truth and love.
- 2nd October is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.
- On this day, people pay tribute at Raj Ghat in Delhi (where Gandhiji was cremated).
- Prayer meetings, cleanliness drives, and peace marches are organised.
- His famous words: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
👧 Children's Day — 14th November
Children's Day is celebrated on 14th November — the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.
- Nehru loved children very much. Children called him "Chacha Nehru" (Uncle Nehru).
- He believed that children are the future of the nation.
- His famous quote: "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow."
- On this day, schools organise special programmes — games, competitions, and fun activities for children.
- Teachers perform for students (role reversal!) — singing, dancing, and acting.
- Nehru always wore a red rose on his jacket.
👨🏫 Teachers' Day — 5th September
Teachers' Day is celebrated on 5th September — the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President.
- Dr Radhakrishnan was a great teacher and scholar before becoming President.
- When his students wanted to celebrate his birthday, he said: "Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if 5th September is observed as Teachers' Day."
- On this day, students thank their teachers for their hard work and guidance.
- Students give cards, flowers, and gifts to teachers.
- Senior students sometimes teach younger classes (role play as teachers).
🤝 National Unity Day — 31st October
National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is celebrated on 31st October — the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Sardar Patel is called the "Iron Man of India".
- After independence, India had many small kingdoms (princely states). Sardar Patel united all of them into one India.
- He brought together 562 princely states to form the Republic of India.
- The Statue of Unity in Gujarat is the world's tallest statue — built in his honour (182 metres tall!).
- On this day, people take a pledge to keep India united.
- "Run for Unity" events are organised across the country.
Summary of National Days
| National Day | Date | Why We Celebrate | Key Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | 26th January | Constitution came into effect (1950) | Dr B.R. Ambedkar |
| Independence Day | 15th August | Freedom from British rule (1947) | Freedom fighters |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2nd October | Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Children's Day | 14th November | Birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru | Pandit Nehru |
| Teachers' Day | 5th September | Birthday of Dr Radhakrishnan | Dr Radhakrishnan |
| National Unity Day | 31st October | Birthday of Sardar Patel | Sardar Patel |
🏫 How We Celebrate National Days in School
Schools celebrate national days with great enthusiasm. Here is what happens:
- Flag hoisting: The principal or chief guest hoists the national flag. Everyone sings the National Anthem.
- Speeches: Students and teachers give speeches about the importance of the day.
- Cultural programmes: Patriotic songs, dances, skits, and plays are performed.
- Fancy dress: Children dress up as freedom fighters (Gandhi, Nehru, Bose, Rani Laxmibai).
- Drawing and essay competitions: Students draw or write about national heroes.
- Sweet distribution: Sweets and snacks are given to all students.
- National Anthem: The celebration always begins or ends with "Jana Gana Mana".
Republic Day vs Independence Day
| Feature | Republic Day (26 Jan) | Independence Day (15 Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| What happened | Constitution came into effect | India got freedom from British |
| Year | 1950 | 1947 |
| Who hoists the flag | President of India | Prime Minister of India |
| Where | Kartavya Path, New Delhi | Red Fort, Delhi |
| Special feature | Grand parade with chief guest | PM's speech to the nation |
| Flag ceremony | Flag is unfurled (already tied) | Flag is hoisted (pulled up) |
Key Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Constitution | The book of rules for governing our country |
| Republic | A country where people choose their own leaders |
| Independence | Freedom from the rule of another country |
| Non-violence (Ahimsa) | Not hurting anyone; solving problems peacefully |
| Patriotic | Loving one's country |
| National Anthem | The song of our country — "Jana Gana Mana" |
| Tricolour | Our national flag with saffron, white, and green |
| Parade | A march of soldiers and floats on a special occasion |
⭐ Key Points to Remember
- National days are special days celebrated all over India to remember important events and leaders.
- Republic Day (26 Jan) — Constitution came into effect. President hoists flag. Grand parade.
- Independence Day (15 Aug) — Freedom from British. PM hoists flag at Red Fort.
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct) — Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Non-violence and truth.
- Children's Day (14 Nov) — Birthday of Nehru (Chacha Nehru). Fun for children.
- Teachers' Day (5 Sep) — Birthday of Dr Radhakrishnan. We thank our teachers.
- National Unity Day (31 Oct) — Birthday of Sardar Patel. He united India.
- In school: flag hoisting, speeches, cultural programmes, sweets.
Practice Questions
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. Republic Day is celebrated on every year.
2. On Independence Day, the hoists the flag at the Red Fort.
3. Mahatma Gandhi is called the of the Nation.
4. Children's Day is celebrated on — the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru.
5. Teachers' Day is celebrated on the birthday of Dr .
6. Sardar Patel is called the Man of India.
7. The Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January .
8. India got freedom from rule on 15th August 1947.
9. Gandhi Jayanti is also the International Day of .
10. The Republic Day parade is held at in New Delhi.
B. Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who hoists the flag on Republic Day?
2. Independence Day is celebrated on:
3. Mahatma Gandhi believed in:
4. Children called Nehru:
5. The Statue of Unity is built in honour of:
C. Short Answer Questions
1. Why do we celebrate Republic Day? How is it celebrated?
2. What is the difference between Republic Day and Independence Day?
3. Why is Mahatma Gandhi called the Father of the Nation? What did he believe in?
4. Why is 14th November celebrated as Children's Day?
5. How do we celebrate national days in school? Write any four activities.
D. True or False
1. The Prime Minister hoists the flag on Republic Day.
2. India got independence on 15th August 1947.
3. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 14th November.
4. Sardar Patel united 562 princely states into India.
5. Teachers' Day is celebrated on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
E. Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. 26th January | a. Gandhi Jayanti |
| 2. 15th August | b. Children's Day |
| 3. 2nd October | c. Republic Day |
| 4. 14th November | d. National Unity Day |
| 5. 31st October | e. Independence Day |
🎨 Fun Activities
Activity 1: National Days Calendar
Make a colourful chart showing all national days with their dates and pictures. Hang it in your room!
| Date | National Day | Draw a Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| 26th January | Republic Day | |
| 15th August | Independence Day | |
| 2nd October | Gandhi Jayanti | |
| 14th November | Children's Day | |
| 5th September | Teachers' Day | |
| 31st October | National Unity Day |
Activity 2: Write a short speech (5 lines) that you would give on Independence Day in your school assembly.
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