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31 OCTOBER · UNITY DAY · STATUE OF UNITYEkta Diwas
On 31 October, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the world’s tallest statue — a day of pledges, parades and pride at the Statue of Unity on the Narmada.
A day of unity at the tallest statue
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) falls on 31 October, the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — the “Iron Man” who welded hundreds of princely states into one India. It is marked most grandly at the Statue of Unity near Kevadia, the 182-metre bronze-clad colossus of Patel that is the tallest statue in the world. The day brings the unity pledge, parades and a swell of visitors to the monument on the banks of the Narmada.
Honouring the Iron Man
Sardar Patel unified over five hundred princely states into the Indian Union — the work the statue honours.
His birthday, 31 October, was declared National Unity Day — Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The Statue of Unity rose in 2018 as the world's tallest, at 182 metres.
Each Ekta Diwas the monument becomes the centre of the national commemoration.
Why come
Tallest statue
The statue stands 182 metres — the tallest in the world, nearly twice the Statue of Liberty.
Sardar Patel
Patel earned the name Iron Man for the will that unified the princely states.
Unity pledge
The unity pledge taken here on the day is echoed in ceremonies nationwide.
Narmada dam
The Narmada, the dam and the hills make the setting worthy of the figure.
Viewing gallery
The viewing gallery sits high in the statue's chest, at 153 metres.
Parades
On Ekta Diwas itself the whole complex becomes the nation's stage.
What to see
THE STATUEUnity
Patel in bronze.
THE DAYEkta Diwas
Pledge and parade.
How to experience it
Come on 31 Oct
Mark the date — 31 October, Patel's birthday and National Unity Day.
See the statue
See the statue itself, the tallest in the world at 182 metres.
Take the pledge
Witness the unity pledge, taken at the monument and echoed nationwide.
Ride the gallery
Go up to the viewing gallery in the statue's chest if slots allow.
Watch the parade
Watch the parades and special events that fill the big day.
Explore Kevadia
Give the wider complex time — gardens, museum and the dam viewpoints.
A monument to one India
The Statue of Unity is more than a record-breaking monument — it is a statement about the idea of a single, integrated India that Patel worked to build. Around it, Kevadia has grown into a full destination, with gardens, a valley of flowers, a river cruise and viewpoints. On Ekta Diwas the site becomes a stage for national pride, drawing crowds from across the country.
See what else is nearby in our guide to Narmada.
Timing
Ekta Diwas falls on 31 October, and the commemoration fills the complex for the day.
October to March is the best season for visiting the statue at leisure.
The monsoon sends the Narmada past in spate — a spectacle of its own from the gallery.
⏰ Ekta Diwas is on 31 October; the Statue of Unity is open through the year and best in the cooler months.
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara (~90 km).
By Rail
Kevadia / Vadodara.
By Road
Kevadia, Narmada.
More in Narmada
TRIBAL
Adivasi Culture
The forested hills of Narmada are Adivasi country — home to tribal communities whose dance, music, dress and craft form one of Gujarat’s richest living cultures. Explore →
NIGHTLY
Laser Show
After dark, the Statue of Unity becomes a canvas — a nightly laser and light show throws Sardar Patel’s story across the colossus in colour, sound and beams against the night sky. Explore →
FAIR
Tribal Fairs
Through the year the villages of Narmada gather at tribal fairs — melas of drum and dance, courtship and trade, where the district’s Adivasi communities come together in colour. Explore →
What to eat
THALIGujarati Thali
A hearty spread.
LOCALTribal Fare
Regional flavours.
FARSANFarsan
Savoury snacks.
CHAASChaas
Spiced buttermilk.
Ekta Diwas FAQ
What is Ekta Diwas?
National Unity Day, on 31 October, marking Sardar Patel’s birthday, celebrated grandly at the Statue of Unity.
What is the Statue of Unity?
A 182-metre statue of Sardar Patel near Kevadia — the tallest statue in the world.
Who was Sardar Patel?
India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, the "Iron Man" who unified the princely states into the Indian Union.
What happens on the day?
The national unity pledge, parades and special events at the monument.
Where is it?
At Kevadia on the Narmada, about 90 km from Vadodara.
When should I visit?
On 31 October itself for the full Ekta Diwas commemoration — expecting serious crowds — or any clear day in the cooler months for the monument at leisure.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 3 July 2026