Constitution Day 2002

26 November anniversary of India's Constitution being adopted in 1949.

Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, commemorates the Constituent Assembly's adoption of India's Constitution on 26 November 1949. The Assembly first met in December 1946, before independence, and worked through debates over representative government, fundamental rights, minority protections, the powers of the Union and states, and social justice. Dr B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, but the Constitution was shaped by many members, committees and public discussions. Its Preamble states the aspirations of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, while its institutions set out how democratic government should operate.

The Constitution was not fully brought into force on adoption day. Its principal provisions commenced on 26 January 1950, the anniversary celebrated as Republic Day and chosen in remembrance of the independence movement's 1930 Purna Swaraj observance. Constitution Day and Republic Day therefore mark two distinct milestones. The Supreme Court had observed 26 November as Law Day, while the Government of India formally designated it Constitution Day in 2015 to encourage public engagement with constitutional values.

Schools, institutions and communities mark the occasion by reading the Preamble, studying the Constitution and discussing both rights and responsibilities. It is a civic historical observance rather than a religious narrative. Meaningful commemoration calls for respect for constitutional institutions and the dignity and equal citizenship of all people.

Remembers the Constitution's adoption and India's commitments to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Read the Preamble and organize educational discussions on constitutional rights and responsibilities.

National observance across India; distinct from Republic Day on 26 January.