Important Days in January (India)

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. The day celebrates the contribution of overseas Indians (NRIs and PIOs) to the development of India. It was first observed in 2003.

World Hindi Day is observed on January 10 to mark the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference (Vishwa Hindi Sammelan), held in Nagpur on January 10, 1975, under PM Indira Gandhi. It is different from Hindi Diwas (September 14), which marks Hindi's adoption as the official language.

National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12 — the birthday of Swami Vivekananda (born 1863). It was declared by the Government of India in 1984 to inspire the youth with his teachings of strength, self-reliance, and service to humanity. The Rashtriya Yuva Mahotsav (National Youth Festival) is held during this week.

Indian Army Day is observed on January 15 because on this day in 1949, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (then General) became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding British General F.R.R. Bucher. The Army Day parade is held at Cariappa Parade Ground in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as National Startup Day in 2022. The date coincides with the launch of the Startup India initiative on January 16, 2016. India is the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, and this day celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura became full states on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. Before this, Manipur and Tripura were Union Territories, and Meghalaya was a sub-state (autonomous state) within Assam. January 21 is observed as Statehood Day in all three states.

Parakram Diwas is observed on January 23 to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (born 1897). The Government of India declared it in 2021. Netaji founded the Indian National Army (INA/Azad Hind Fauj) and gave the rallying cry 'Jai Hind' and 'Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom.'

National Girl Child Day is observed on January 24 every year, initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008. It aims to raise awareness about the inequalities faced by girl children in Indian society and promote their rights to education, health, and opportunities.

National Voters Day is observed on January 25 to mark the founding anniversary of the Election Commission of India, established on January 25, 1950. It was first observed in 2011 to encourage young voters to enroll and participate in democracy. The ECI is a constitutional body under Article 324.

Himachal Pradesh became a full state on January 25, 1971, becoming India's 18th state. It was previously a Union Territory. It was the first Union Territory to be elevated to full statehood. Himachal Day (HP Statehood Day) is observed annually on January 25.

India's Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, making India a Republic. The date was chosen to honour the Purna Swaraj declaration of January 26, 1930. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India. The Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) is a national spectacle.

French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at India's 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024. This was Macron's second time as Republic Day chief guest (first in 2016). The relationship between India and France includes strategic partnership, Rafale fighter jet deals, and cooperation in space and defence.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), New Delhi, by Nathuram Godse at 5:17 PM. It was his 18th day of fasting and prayer. A two-minute silence is observed across India at 11 AM on January 30 every year to honour all those who sacrificed their lives for India.

India officially eliminated leprosy as a public health problem in 2005, achieving a prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000 population — a major public health achievement. India was one of the last countries to achieve elimination. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) was instrumental in this success.

Lala Lajpat Rai died on November 17, 1928, due to injuries sustained in a police lathi-charge during protests against the all-British Simon Commission on October 30, 1928, in Lahore. His death enraged nationalists, and Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev killed police officer J.P. Saunders (mistaken for Superintendent Scott) in retaliation.

The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is typically held in January at Diggi Palace, Jaipur. It is known as the 'Greatest Literary Show on Earth' and attracts authors, thinkers, politicians, and readers from around the world. It was founded by writer Namita Gokhale and director William Dalrymple in 2006.

Makar Sankranti (January 14) marks the Sun's Uttarayan — its northward movement — and its entry into Capricorn (Makara rashi). It is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri (January 13) in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. It is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar.

Subhash Chandra Bose (Netaji) is honoured on January 23 (Parakram Diwas). While Rash Behari Bose and Mohan Singh played early roles, it was Netaji who transformed the INA into a formidable fighting force after taking command in 1943. He established the Azad Hind government and marched toward India's liberation.

The first Indian Science Congress was held at Calcutta University (now University of Calcutta) on January 15, 1914. It was founded by two British chemists — J.L. Simonsen and P.S. MacMahon. Today it is India's largest annual scientific gathering, with the President of India often inaugurating it.