Why is Netaji Jayanti celebrated?

It marks the birthday (23 January 1897) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, in honour of his contribution to India's freedom struggle.

Why is Netaji Jayanti also called 'Parakram Diwas'?

The Government of India, through an official notification dated 19 January 2021, declared 23 January to be observed every year as "Parakram Diwas", marking Netaji's 125th birth anniversary.

Is there a public holiday on Netaji Jayanti?

No — Maharashtra's list records it as a government programme day (a garlanding ceremony), but it is not a public holiday binding on all establishments.

Netaji Jayanti (Parakram Diwas)

Netaji Jayanti is observed every year on 23 January — the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (born 23 January 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha). Since 2021, the Government of India has also declared this day "Parakram Diwas" every year. In 2026, the day falls on a Friday.

This year's dates (2026)

Friday; a government commemoration day — not a public holidayFriday, 23 January 2026

The date is fixed every year, independent of the panchang's tithi or nakshatra. Like Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti, Netaji Jayanti also honours the memory of a key leader of India's freedom struggle. Maharashtra too observes this as a government programme day, but it is not a public holiday.

History & significance

Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha — his father, Janakinath Bose, was a lawyer, and his mother was Prabhavati Devi. Despite ranking high in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1920, he resigned in April 1921 to devote himself to the freedom struggle.

He was elected president of the Indian National Congress twice, in 1938 (Haripura session) and again in 1939 (Tripuri session). Following ideological differences, he resigned the presidency and founded the "All India Forward Bloc" party in 1939.

In January 1941, he escaped house arrest in Calcutta and travelled via Germany to reach Japanese-controlled Southeast Asia. There he took over leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) and, on 21 October 1943, established the "Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind" (the Provisional Government of Free India) in Singapore — becoming its head of state, prime minister, and war minister. This same government popularised the greeting "Jai Hind"; the slogans "Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhein azadi doonga" and "Chalo Delhi" also date from this period.

The 'Parakram Diwas' naming

On 19 January 2021, the Government of India, through an official notification, declared that 23 January would be observed every year as "Parakram Diwas" (Day of Valour) — marking Netaji's 125th birth anniversary.

Government status

Maharashtra's official list records 23 January as "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti" — a programme day (garlanding of the portrait) at the Secretariat and all government/semi-government offices, colleges, and schools. However, this date is not a public holiday binding on all establishments.

How it is marked

Government offices, schools, and colleges across the country garland portraits of Netaji; speeches, essay competitions, and cultural programmes are held. The central government organises special national events every year to mark "Parakram Diwas".

Good to know

Netaji Jayanti (23 January, birthday) and "Parakram Diwas" are two names for the same day — no confusion there.
"Balasaheb Thackeray Jayanti" also falls on 23 January 2026, on Maharashtra's own official list — this is purely a date coincidence; the two are entirely separate, unrelated figures.

This date (23 January) is fixed Gregorian — it does not shift year to year.

FAQ

Why is Netaji Jayanti celebrated?: It marks the birthday (23 January 1897) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, in honour of his contribution to India's freedom struggle.
When and where was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose born?: On 23 January 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha.
Why is Netaji Jayanti also called 'Parakram Diwas'?: The Government of India, through an official notification dated 19 January 2021, declared 23 January to be observed every year as "Parakram Diwas", marking Netaji's 125th birth anniversary.
What is the connection between the Azad Hind Fauj and Netaji?: Netaji took over leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) and, on 21 October 1943, established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore.
Is there a public holiday on Netaji Jayanti?: No — Maharashtra's list records it as a government programme day (a garlanding ceremony), but it is not a public holiday binding on all establishments.