Rajasthan government has officially changed date of Rajasthan Day celebrations to Chaitra Shukla Pratipad, aligning state’s Foundation Day with traditional Indian calendar. This historic decision was implemented on March 30, 2025, marking Rajasthan’s 76th Foundation Day. The move is seen as a step towards reviving cultural heritage and reflecting Rajasthan’s Sanatan traditions.
Key Highlights
New Date as per Hindu Calendar: Rajasthan Day will now be observed on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the Hindu New Year) each year instead of March 30.
Floating Date: In 2025, the date remains March 30, but in 2026, it will be celebrated on March 19 as per the Hindu calendar.
Government’s Justification:
- The shift aligns Rajasthan’s Foundation Day with India’s traditional calendar.
- It reflects Sanatan cultural heritage and historical continuity.
- ₹25 crore allocated for grand celebrations in 2025.
Decades-Old Demand Fulfilled:
- The Nav Varsh Samaroh Samiti (formed in 1992) had long demanded the shift to Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, arguing that Rajasthan was founded on this day as per Hindu traditions.
Significance of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada:
- It marks the completion of Earth’s full cycle around the Sun, symbolizing balance and new beginnings.
History of Rajasthan Day
Pre-Independence:
- Rajasthan was earlier called Rajputana, meaning the “Land of Kings”, as it was ruled by multiple princely states.
Integration of Rajasthan (1948-1949):
- Rajasthan was formed by merging 19 princely states in 7 phases.
- The first merger took place on April 18, 1948, including Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli.
- The final unification happened on March 30, 1949, when Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner merged to form Greater Rajasthan Union.
- On this day, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel officiated the unification ceremony at Jaipur’s City Palace, marking the foundation of modern Rajasthan.
Post-Independence Developments:
- At independence, Rajasthan had 22 princely states, including 3 chiefships (Neemrana, Luv, Kushalgarh) and the Ajmer-Merwara province, which was ruled by the British.
- The Ajmer-Merwara province was merged into Rajasthan on November 1, 1956, following the States Reorganisation Commission’s recommendations.
- Some territorial adjustments were made: Suneltappa village (Mandsaur, MP) was added to Rajasthan and Sironj village (Jhalawar, Rajasthan) was transferred to MP.
- Jaipur was declared Rajasthan’s capital on September 7, 1949 as per the Rao Committee’s recommendations.
- Largest Indian State: Rajasthan spans 3,42,239 sq km, covering 1/10th of India’s total land area.