In pictures: Ekta Diwas celebrations at Statue of Unity; PM Modi witnesses grand parade

At the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a glowing tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary. Bowing before the Iron Man of India, Modi honored Patel’s vision of national integration, describing him as the architect of a unified Bharat whose legacy continues to guide India’s destiny

PM Modi urged citizens to uphold Patel’s spirit of unity. He called upon the nation to strengthen the bonds of integrity and peace that bind India together. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, celebrated each year on October 31 commemorates Patel’s unmatched role in uniting more than 560 princely states into one nation.

As helicopters cascaded petals over the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity shimmered in a spectacle of admiration. The aerial floral tribute honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s monumental contribution to the nation.

Prime Minister Modi administers the 'oath of unity' along the Narmada river as he, along with thousands of others, pledged to preserve India’s unity and integrity before the towering Statue of Unity on Sardar Patel’s jayanti.

From the heart of Kevadia, thousands join the Oath of Unity at the Sardar Sarovar Dam grounds. Their voices rose in unison, renewing faith in India’s ideals of oneness, truth, and dedication.

Artists performed Kathakali at the Ekta Diwas parade as Prime Minister Modi observed. Thousands gathered to celebrate India’s unity in diversity, a living tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of an integrated nation that is modern India.

Amid rhythmic chants and cheers, PM Modi waved to the massive gathering at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The sea of people mirrored the occasion’s sentiment — honoring a visionary who transformed India’s dream of unity into an enduring reality.

Marking 150 years of Sardar Patel’s birth, the Prime Minister released a special Rs 150 coin and a postage stamp in Kevadia. The coin, engraved with Patel’s portrait and the Statue of Unity. The stamp also features a portrait of Sardar Patel.

On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, PM Modi attended a vibrant cultural programme in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. The evening came alive with music, folk performances, and artistic tributes, celebrating India’s cultural diversity and the unifying ethos that Sardar Patel envisioned for the nation.

Prime Minister Modi, on the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also met members of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s family in Kevadia. Sharing gratitude and heartfelt memories, the meeting reflected a deep sense of respect for a leader whose life continues to inspire generations of Indians toward unity and resilience.