Himachal Day – April 15th

Himachal Day is celebrated on the 15th of April every year, it is one of the most beautiful states of North India. The state is also known as the Land of the Gods which borders Tibet in the North and is one of the 3rd fastest-growing states in India. The name ” Himachal ” is derived from two words Him (means Snow) Achal (means Lap) A Snow Lap of Himalayas.

Himachal Pradesh, the hill state was formed in 1948 after the 30 odd princely states got merged. The province comprised the hill districts around Shimla and southern hill areas of the former Punjab region. Himachal Pradesh’s rich culture, high traditions, and natural beauty were the distinctive identity of Dev Bhoomi and the real power of the state was its honest and hard-working people. Difficult geographical conditions, inaccessible areas, and other complexities also did not reduce the courage of the working people.

History

During the British rule in India, most of the parts of Himachal Pradesh were part of the Punjab state. The region was divided into Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba -the most crucial places in Himachal. The Britishers made Shimla their summer capital in 1864. It was only after independence parts of Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab were merged and a new state Himachal was formed as a union territory on 15th April 1948.

In 1950 it became a sub-state under the Indian constitution then became a union territory in 1956. After the re-organization of Punjab in 1966, Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti Districts, Una Tehsil of Hoshiarpur District, and Nalagarh Tehsil of Ambala District were also merged with the Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh.

On 18 December 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971 making it the 18th state of India. There were changes in the boundary of Himachal Pradesh from its creation in 1948 till it got its statehood in 1971 incorporating smaller districts in the region. Though it was on 25th January 1971 Himachal got statehood and is celebrated as Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day.

In 1972 Districts of Kangra and Mahasu were reorganized. District Kangra was trifurcated, Una and Hamirpur Tehsils were made into separate Districts. Some areas of Mahasu District were merged with Shimla District while the others formed the new District of Solan.

About Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is known as “Dev Bhumi” or abode of Gods and Goddesses. Situated in the Western Himalayas this state has an extreme landscape featuring several peaks and extensive river systems. The state shares borders with the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to the north, and the states of Punjab to the west, Haryana to the southwest, and Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to the south. The state also shares an international border with Tibet in China.

The mountainous state with its Himalayan sceneries attracts tourists from all over the world. Hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Chamba, Khajjiar, Kullu, and Kasauli are the most popular destinations for both national and international tourists. The state has also numerous significant Hindu pilgrimage sites with prominent temples like Naina Devi Temple, Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Jwala Ji Temple, Chintpurni, Chamunda Devi Temple, Baijnath Temple, Bhimakali Temple, Bijli Mahadev, and Jakhoo Temple.

Celebration

On the occasion of Himachal Day, grand parades, events, and various cultural programs are held all over the state. The march past is presented by the contingents of State Police, Home Guards, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and NCC cadets, the Governor of the state unfurls the National Flag and takes the salute of the march past at the State-level Himachal Day function.

This small hill state started this successful development with very little resources and today, Himachal Pradesh is considered the forerunner of hill development and the ideal state across the country. The people of Himachal celebrate this day with pride and happiness in different parts of the state.

Suggested Read: Formation Dates of Indian States