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As of 2020, Accession Day is an official holiday in the Union Territory.
26 October holds a prominent place in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. (File photo)
Accession Day is an important annual celebration in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It marks an important event in Indian history that took place on October 26, 1947. The date is observed to commemorate the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, signing the Instrument of Accession. This officially made Jammu and Kashmir a part of India.
As of 2020, Accession Day is an official holiday in the Union Territory.
The first official celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Independence Day 2020 was marked with fireworks, singing of the national anthem and flag hoisting ceremonies.
What happened on October 26?
October 26 holds a prominent place in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating the day when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession. This document formalized the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India. The Instrument of Accession was signed between Maharaja Hari Singh and Lord Mountbatten, who was then Governor-General of India.
J&K’s entry into the old state took place during a period of political upheaval, following the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
History of Date of Admission
When India gained independence in 1947, about 580 states had the option of remaining independent or joining either India or Pakistan. The Instrument of Accession was a legal document that each princely state had to sign in order to join any of the new countries.
Initially, Maharaja Hari Singh tried to keep J&K independent by signing agreements with both India and Pakistan to maintain a state of neutrality. However, after facing attacks from the Pathan tribes and the Pakistani military, the Maharajas turned to India for help.
India agreed to provide aid but on the condition that Jammu and Kashmir join India.
On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, and the next day, Lord Mountbatten accepted the terms.
Facts About Jammu and Kashmir on Entry Day
Celebrating the region’s rich culture and history, here are some interesting facts about Jammu and Kashmir:
- Maharaja Hari Singh was the last ruler to rule this region before it became part of India.
- India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, came from a Kashmiri Pandit family, tracing his ancestry to the region.
- The name Kashmiriyat stands for the unique cultural blend of the region, symbolizing harmony between different religions and pride in the region’s natural beauty.
- The Jawala Mukhi Temple in Pulwama hosts an annual fair known as the ‘Jwalamukhi Mela,’ which is celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims.
- Pampore, a city in Kashmir, is world famous for its saffron production, earning it the name ‘Saffron City.’
- The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, also called the Qazigund Railway Tunnel, is the longest railway tunnel in India, spanning over 11 kilometers.
- Jammu and Kashmir experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- The people of Jammu and Kashmir speak various languages, including Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Ladakhi and Pahadi, among others.
- The state animal is the Hangul, or Kashmiri stag, which is native to the region.
- Both men and women in Jammu and Kashmir wear the traditional Pheran, which consists of two layered garments that reach down to the feet.
Significance of Entry Date
Accession Day has deep significance for Jammu and Kashmir as it commemorates the momentous moment when the region became an integral part of India.
By signing the Instrument of Accession, Maharaja Hari Singh not only decided the fate of his kingdom but also started a series of political developments that continued to shape the governance of the region.
This day has grown in importance in recent years, as various activities such as parades, cultural events, and public events are held to emphasize national unity and celebrate the historical ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
The event serves as a reminder of the region’s complex political journey and its significant role in Indian politics.
In celebrating Accession Day, Jammu and Kashmir recognizes its unique place in Indian history, and the region’s enduring importance to India.
- Location :
Srinagar, India
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