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Since 2020, Accession Day has become an official public holiday in the Union Territory.
October 26 holds a prominent place in Jammu and Kashmir’s history. (File photo)
Accession Day is an important annual celebration in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It marks a crucial event in India’s history that happened on October 26, 1947. The day 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.
Since 2020, Accession Day has become an official public holiday in the Union Territory.
The very first official celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Accession Day in 2020 was marked by fireworks, the singing of the national anthem and flag-hoisting ceremonies.
What Happened On October 26?
October 26 holds a prominent place in Jammu and Kashmir’s history, commemorating the day when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession. This document formalised Jammu and Kashmir’s merger with India. The Instrument of Accession was signed between Maharaja Hari Singh and Lord Mountbatten, the then Governor-General of India.
The accession of the erstwhile state of J&K occurred during a time of political turmoil, following the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
Accession Day History
When India gained its Independence in 1947, nearly 580 princely states had the option to remain independent or join either India or Pakistan. The Instrument of Accession was the legal document that each princely state needed to sign to officially join either 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 neutral status. However, after facing an invasion from Pathan tribesmen and Pakistani military forces, the Maharaja turned to India for help.
India agreed to provide assistance but only under the condition that Jammu and Kashmir join India.
On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, and the very next day, Lord Mountbatten accepted the terms.
Facts About Jammu and Kashmir on Accession Day
To celebrate the region’s rich culture and history, here are some fascinating facts about Jammu and Kashmir:
- Maharaja Hari Singh was the last ruler to govern the 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 term Kashmiriyat represents the unique cultural blend of the area, symbolising harmony among 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,’ celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims.
- Pampore, a town in Kashmir, is world-famous for its saffron production, earning it the nickname ‘Saffron Town.’
- The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, also called the Qazigund Railway Tunnel, is the longest railway tunnel in India, spanning over 11 kilometres.
- Jammu and Kashmir experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- The people of Jammu and Kashmir speak a variety of 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 gowns that reach down to the feet.
Significance of Accession Day
Accession Day holds deep significance for Jammu and Kashmir as it commemorates the pivotal 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 state but also set in motion a series of political developments that continue to shape the region’s governance.
The day has grown in importance in recent years, with various activities such as parades, cultural events, and public events being held to emphasise national unity and celebrate the historical ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
The occasion serves as a reminder of the complex political journey of the region and its vital role in India’s larger political landscape.
In celebrating the Accession Day, Jammu and Kashmir recognises its unique place in India’s history, as well as the enduring significance of this region for India.
- Location :
Srinagar, India
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