Punjab Day

Punjab Day recalls the reorganisation of the Indian state of Punjab that took effect on 1 November 1966. After independence and Partition, debates continued over language and administrative identity in the region. The Punjabi Suba movement sought a Punjabi-speaking state, and the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 redrew the boundaries: the largely Hindi-speaking areas became Haryana, some hill territories were transferred toward Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh became a Union Territory serving as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. The modern Punjab that emerged was therefore closely tied to Punjabi language and post-Partition political history. The day is observed as an occasion to reflect on the state's formation and to celebrate Punjabi culture through music, bhangra and gidda, literature, food, sports and community programmes. It also provides a moment to remember Punjab's agricultural, military, cultural and diaspora contributions.

Punjab Day helps remember an important person, institution, event or public value in India.