Accession Day
Original text of the Instrument of Accession
Observed byJammu and Kashmir, India
SignificanceAccession of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir
Date26 October
Next time26 October 2024 (2024-10-26)
FrequencyAnnual
First time26 October 2020 (as an official public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir[1])
Related toRepublic Day
Independence Day

Accession Day is a public holiday in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating 26 October 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh signed off the Instrument of Accession, in which Jammu and Kashmir joined the Dominion of India.[1] It became an official public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in 2020.[2]

The festivities of the day include holding rallies, bursting of firecrackers, singing India's national anthem, and raising the flag of India.[3][4][5] In some areas, the festivities are as big as those of the Hindu festival of Diwali.[6][7][8]

The "Accession Day" is observed as "Black Day" by separatist Kashmiri leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and followers of All Parties Hurriyat Conference in protest of alleged human rights violations by the India's alleged occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.[9][10][11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Jammu and Kashmir government holiday list 2021". India Today. 1 March 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Preeti, Raina (30 December 2019). "Accession Day Replaces Martyrs Day In Jammu and Kashmir As Regional Holiday". EurAsian Times. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Accession day is our national day: Jammu Bar". Greater Kashmir. Archived from the original on 28 October 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2007.
  4. ^ "Jammu all set to celebrate accession day". Sify. Archived from the original on 30 October 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2007.
  5. ^ "J&K Accession day celebrations in J&K". GroundReport. Archived from the original on 29 October 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2007.
  6. ^ "J-K Accession Day to be celebrated as Diwali: BJP". Rediff. Retrieved 31 December 2007.
  7. ^ "Accession Day to be celebrated as Diwali: BJP". Hindustan Times. 25 October 2010. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
  8. ^ "Jammu celebrates Accession Day". The Tribune. 26 October 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
  9. ^ "Kashmir observes Black Day". The Hindu. 27 October 2013.
  10. ^ "Kashmir's Black Day".
  11. ^ "Indian police arrest Syed Ali Geelani in Kashmir". DAWN.COM. 8 September 2010. Retrieved 30 December 2019.


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