Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations in Gujarat's Kevadia on Thursday, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with floral tributes and administering the Ekta Diwas pledge.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary. Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in 1875, Patel was a key figure in India's fight for independence. As independent India's first home minister, the "Iron Man of India" unified over 565 princely states into the Indian Union.

An Indian Air Force flypast paid a floral tribute to Patel at the Statue of Unity. Modi then observed the Ekta Diwas Parade, which had 16 marching contingents from nine states, one Union Territory police, four central armed police forces, National Cadet Corps, and a marching band.

The NSG Hell March contingent, a daredevil show by BSF and CRPF male and female bikers, stole the show. There was also an Indian martial arts demonstration by the BSF, the IAF’s ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast, and a piped band performance by schoolchildren, among other events.