Why is Constitution Day Celebrated on November 26? Samvidhan Divas History, Significance, and 10 Facts

Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Divas’ is celebrated in India on November 26 annually to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. It is also known as National Law Day. On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect from January 26, 1950.

The day aims to mark the importance of the constitutional values among the Indian citizens and also, to create awareness about the significance of the Indian Constitution including its architect, Dr. BR Ambedkar. On October 11, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the day, while laying the foundation stone for the Statue of Equality.

Role of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on November 19, 2015 notified the decision of Government of India (GoI) to observe November 26 every year as ‘Constitution Day’ to promote Constitutional values among Indian citizens.

History of Constitution Day

The Constitution of India 1950 was drafted by the Constituent Assembly from 1946-1950. It was on November 26, 1949 that India’s Constituent Assembly adopted its Constitution. As of January 26, 1950 — Republic Day came into effect.

Significance of Constitution Day

Dr. BR Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, and he played a crucial role in the framing of the Indian Constitution. To acknowledge the contribution of the framers of the Indian Constitution and to inculcate the prominent constitutional values among the people, November 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day.

About the Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is the longest-written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. Additionally, it focuses on the importance of Constitutional Fundamental Duties. Assuring its citizens’ justice, equality, and liberty, and promoting fraternity, the Constitution of India declares India a socialist, secular, democratic republic.

10 Interesting Facts about Indian Constitution

1. The Indian Constitution is completely hand-written and designed.
2. Nand Lal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian Art, designed the borders of every page of the Constitution and adorned it with art pieces.
3. Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a master of calligraphic art, single handedly wrote the Constitution.
4. The original manuscript of the Constitution was written on parchment sheets measuring 16X22 inches having a lifespan of a thousand years! It weighed 3.75 kgs.
5. The Indian Constitution’s name is borrowed from the US. Its positions and functions are borrowed from the British Constitution.
6. The Constitution was adopted in 1949 when 284 members signed it, marking the completion of the Constitution making process.
7. The Indian constitution was written in two languages – Hindi and English.
8. It took nearly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution of India.
9. The Indian constitution is considered to be the world’s longest for a sovereign nation.
10. The Indian Constitution consists of a Preamble, 22 parts with 448 articles, 12 schedules, 5 appendices, and 115 amendments.