Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to showcase unique contingents, cultural highlights in grand celebration

This year’s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas will feature several unique highlights, including a marching contingent comprising exclusively of Indian breed dogs from the BSF, the Gujarat Police’s Horse Contingent, the Assam Police’s Motorcycle Daredevil team and the BSF’s Camel Contingent along with the Camel Mounted Band.

The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commemorating the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be celebrated on 31st October. This year’s celebration is particularly special as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel and this year’s unique celebrations will include a grand parade and cultural festival in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

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Addressing a press conference here, Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), Daljit Singh Chaudhary alongwith Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Praveen Kumar said that this year’s National Unity Day parade will include contingents from BSF, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), ITBP and Sashstra Seema Bal (SSB) along with police forces from states of Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and the NCC. The parade will also feature cavalry and camel-mounted contingents.

Additionally, indigenous dog breeds — Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds — will demonstrate their skills. These breeds have made significant contributions as force multipliers during BSF operations, embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Recently, at the All India Police Dog Competition, the Mudhol Hound “Riya” who is three and half years old won first place and will lead the dog squad in this year’s parade.

The parade will also highlight the participation of women police officers and personnel. The Guard of Honour presented to the Prime Minister will be led by a female officer. Women personnel of CISF and CRPF will demonstrate Martial Arts and Unarmed Combat drills, showcasing the strength and courage of India’s daughters.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and school bands will add to the grandeur of the ceremony with their eye-catching performances. Young NCC cadets will convey the message “Unity is Strength” through their discipline and enthusiasm. A spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Team will further enhance the parade.

Motorcycle Daredevil Show and BSF’s Camel Contingent and Camel Mounted Band, which will be major attractions. Additionally, indigenous dog breeds — Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds — will demonstrate their skills. These breeds have made significant contributions as force multipliers during BSF operations, embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Recently, at the All India Police Dog Competition, the Mudhol Hound “Riya” won first place and will lead the dog squad in this year’s parade.

To emphasise the message of unity in diversity, tableaux from different states and union Territories will also be part of the parade. This year’s National Unity Day parade will feature 10 tableaux from National Security Guard (NSG), NDRF, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry, reflecting the theme “Unity in Diversity.”

To make this year’s parade more spectacular, brass bands from BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, Delhi Police, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir will also participate. The parade will feature five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and 16 gallantry medal winners from BSF. These brave individuals demonstrated exceptional courage in anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir. BSF personnel showcased their unmatched valour and heroism during Operation Sindoor on the western border.

Alongside the parade, a cultural programme organized by the Ministry of Culture, will showcase 900 artists performing India’s classical dances, highlighting the rich diversity of our culture and national unity.

The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations aim at highlighting the spirit of national unity, harmony and patriotism, inspiring citizens to embrace these values. All citizens are encouraged to actively participate and be part of this grand and auspicious celebration.

Moreover, from November 1 to 15, Ekta Nagar will host the Bharat Parv, featuring cultural performances and a food festival from different states.

The festival will culminate on November 15 with special programs celebrating God Birsa Munda Jayanti, highlighting the glorious culture and resilient spirit of our tribal communities.