Himachal Day is a cultural celebration in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is always celebrated on April 15th. It was on this day in 1948 that Himachal Pradesh was added to the Republic of India. As Dr B.R. Ambedkars Birthday is usually a holiday in the state on April 14th, this forms part of a two-day break in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. Bordering Tibet, it is noted for its Himalayan landscapes and is a popular tourist destination for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty. The state also has the fourth-highest per capita income of the Indian States and is the third fastest growing economy in India.
In 1864, Shimla, the modern-day capital of Himachal Pradesh was declared as the summer capital of British India. This meant the annual movement of the government from Calcutta, over 1,000 miles away. As the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla came to be known as ‘the workshop of the Empire. Following independence from Britain in 1947, the Chief Commissioners Province of Himachal Pradesh was created on April 15th 1948 as a result of the integration of 28 petty princely states in the promontories of the western Himalayas.
On December 18th 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on January 25th 1971. Himachal then became the eighteenth state of the Indian Union. This event is marked by the public holiday of Statehood Day in Himachal Pradesh on January 25th each year. Himachal Day often observes extensive celebrations of the culture of the state. Many events, fairs and competitions are organized across the state with huge participation and enthusiasm.