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56th Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh
- 27 Jan 2026
- 3 min read
The Prime Minister conveyed warm greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on their 56th Statehood Day on 25th January, 2026.
Himachal Pradesh
- Evolution of Statehood: Himachal Pradesh first became a Chief Commissioner’s Province on 15th April 1948, and then transitioned to a Part C State on 26th January 1950 upon the implementation of the Indian Constitution.
- It remained a Part-C State until 1956, when the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) abolished the Part A, B and C classification of States.
- It was made a Union Territory on 1st November 1956 based on the recommendations of the SRC formed in 1953.
- A major territorial change occurred on 1st November 1966, when hill areas from Punjab (including Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti) were merged into Himachal Pradesh, though it remained a Union Territory.
- It attained full statehood on 25th January 1971, becoming India’s 18th state, as established by the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970.
- Geographical Context: The name means "lap of snow" (Hima + Anchal). It shares borders with Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and an international border with China.
Note: Uttar Pradesh Day is observed annually on 24th January to mark the state's foundation. This date commemorates the renaming of the former United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh on 24th January 1950.
- The day was officially designated for celebration by the state government in 2017, with the inaugural festivities held in 2018.
| Read More: Reorganisation of States in India |
