Why is Nov 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day of India?

November 26 every year, is celebrated as the Constitution Day of India. Also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas,’ the day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India. Though we all know why Independence Day or Republic Day is celebrated, we have little knowledge about the celebration of the Constitution Day of India.

Why is November 26 observed as Constitution Day?

To promote “constitutional values amongst citizens” the Union Cabinet on May 2015 announced that every year November 26 would be celebrated as Constitution Day. Besides, 2015 marked the 125th birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, who was the chairperson of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.

“This year, the country is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The ‘Constitution Day’ will be a part of these year-long nationwide celebrations. This will be a tribute to Dr. Ambedkar, who played a seminal role in the framing of the Indian Constitution as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Constituent Assembly,” stated a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau in 2015.

History of the Constitution Day

In 1949, the Constitution of India was adopted by the constituent assembly which came to force on January 26, 1950, marking the Republic Day of India. Therefore, on November 26, India celebrates Constitution Day while on January 26, Republic Day is celebrated to mark the beginning of India as a republic. 

The Constituent Assembly of India was elected to write the Constitution of India. After India’s independence from Colonial rule in 1947, the members served as the country’s first Parliament.