A commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, will take place at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on October 31 with a grand parade and cultural exhibition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the event, featuring a parade reminiscent of Republic Day, aerial demonstrations, and performances showcasing India’s diversity and unity.
The celebration, organized in honor of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), will include 16 formations from central armed forces and different states, as well as 10 thematic displays centered around the concept of “Unity.”
Gujarat’s Director General of Police, Vikas Sahay, confirmed the participation of contingents from various security forces and police units including BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and units from Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, medal-winning personnel from BSF’s Operation Sindoor and five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF will be part of the parade.
The event will also feature a fly-past by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran team, a daring motorcycle show by Assam Police, a women’s rifle drill by CRPF and Gujarat Police, an Indian breed dog exhibition by BSF, live performances by security force and school bands, and traditional dance and martial arts presentations by cultural troupes from different states.
Moreover, ten tableaux presented by NDRF, NSG, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand will exhibit the country’s cultural and developmental diversity. A play named Lohpurush, portraying the life and legacy of Sardar Patel, will be showcased by the National School of Drama. The Valley of Flowers route has been divided into 13 themed zones with special lighting and selfie spots for visitors.
Following the anniversary, a two-week Bharat Parv 2025 event will be held at Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15, featuring state food and craft stalls, cultural demonstrations, and exhibitions. The festivities will culminate with a national cyclothon on November 17, anticipated to attract around 5,000 participants. National Unity Day has been observed since 2014 at the Statue of Unity to commemorate Sardar Patel’s significant role in unifying India post-Independence.