Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024

Every year, Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is observed on February 20. It was the day on which Arunachal Pradesh was established as a separate state along with Mizoram under the 55th Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution 1986.

Other than Arunachal Pradesh, the state of Mizoram also celebrates its foundation day on 20 February.

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day for the next 5 years.

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024 Overview

Brief History of Arunachal Pradesh

During British colonial rule, Arunachal Pradesh was known as the North-East Frontier Agency and was part of Assam. It remained a part of Assam until in 1972, it became a Union Territory of India. It was only in 1987 that Arunachal Pradesh gained the status of an Indian state.

Long before independence, Arunachal Pradesh has gained its unique identity under the British administration. In 1912-1913, the British government worked with the indigenous people to carve out the North-East Frontier Tracts (NEFT). By 1946, the year before India was to gain her independence, the NEFT was reorganized and since 1950, the administration was transferred to the Government of Assam.

Also Check other important Days in February

History of Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day

Before it became a full-fledged state, Arunachal Pradesh was granted the status of Union Territory. Let us check out a brief journey of Arunachal Pradesh becoming a state below here.

When the Northeast Areas (Reorganization) Act 1971 came into being, many northeastern states were given the status of states and union territories. Under this act, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh were established as Union Territories whereas Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura were established as States. At the time, Arunachal Pradesh was known as NEFA but was later renamed on January 20, 1972 by Bibhabasu Das Shastri, the Director of Research and K.A.A. Raja, the Chief Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh.

15 years after Arunachal Pradesh became a Union Territory, the government decided to grant it the status of an Indian state. Finally, on February 20, 1987 Arunachal Pradesh was established as a state becoming the 25th state of Union India.

Observation of Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024 will be celebrated this year on Tuesday, 20^th of February. People observe this day with cultural events organized in celebration of the glorious history of the state. Other fun activities such as music and dance competitions are also organized on this day.

The day is also a public holiday and all banks and public schools remain closed on this day. There are many archaeological sites in the state that you can go visit on the occasion of statehood day. For people outside Arunachal Pradesh, foundation day offers a great occasion to visit the state and admire its beauty in its prime.

Interesting Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

Here are some lesser-known facts about Arunachal Pradesh that you should be familiar with.

1. The name of the state is mentioned in ancient Hindu literature such as Kalika-Purana, Mahabharata and Ramayana.
2. Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the seven northeastern Indian states (the seven sisters).
3. There are no functional airports in the state it depends on the airport of nearby Assam state.
4. Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India is situated in Arunachal Pradesh.
5. Arunachal Pradesh is called the land of the rising sun as it receives the first sunrise in the country.
6. It is Dong Valley in the state that receives the first rays of the sun falling on it at a height of 1240 meters.
7. Arunachal Pradesh shares an international border with China in the north, Myanmar in the east, and Bhutan in the west.
8. The meaning of the name Arunachal in the local language is the Land of Dawn Lit Mountains.
9.  Even local tourists require permits to roam the state.
10. Arunachal Pradesh is inhabited by the world’s largest diversity of ethnic tribal groups and subgroups.

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