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About Children's Day (India)

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About Children's Day (India)

Children's Day, or Bal Diwas, is celebrated in India on 14 November, the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. He loved children, and they called him Chacha Nehru.

The day is about the rights, care and education of every child. Nehru often said that children are the future of the nation and must be raised with love and attention.

Schools hold games, drawing contests and cultural shows, and teachers often perform for the students. Families give small gifts, take children out and make the day about them.

India marks the day on 14 November. Many other countries keep Universal Children's Day on 20 November or their own date.

  • 14 November every year
  • Nehru's birthday
  • Kept since 1964 on this date
  • Schools across India

Where it began

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad. Children called him Chacha Nehru, Uncle Nehru, and he believed that the children of today would build the India of tomorrow.

In its early years, India marked Children's Day on 20 November, the date the United Nations set aside for children around the world. After Nehru passed away in 1964, India chose his birthday as the new date to honour his love for children.

Many countries keep their own children's day on different dates, but the idea is the same everywhere: to care for children, protect their rights and let them enjoy being young.

Students fill a school ground for a special day of songs and showsNew Delhi

How it grew over time

  1. 1889

    Jawaharlal Nehru is born in Allahabad on 14 November.

  2. 1950s

    India keeps Children's Day on 20 November, in step with the day named by the United Nations.

  3. 1964

    After Nehru's death, his birthday becomes Children's Day in India.

  4. Later decades

    Schools make the day a festival of fun, with teachers performing for students.

  5. Today

    Bal Diwas is kept in schools, homes and children's homes across the country.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Schools

    Teachers put on songs, skits and dances for students, and classes often end with games and sweets.

  • New Delhi

    Leaders pay tribute at Shanti Van, Nehru's memorial, and children's events are held in the city.

  • Homes

    Parents plan small treats, outings or gifts, and children wear their favourite clothes to school.

  • Indian schools abroad

    Indian schools in places like the UAE and Singapore hold fun days, fairs and talent shows.

Children's Day (India) moments

Jawaharlal Nehru around 1925; children later called him Chacha Nehru
Nehru shares a laugh with Gandhi at a meeting in Mumbai in 1946Mumbai
Schoolchildren with paper flags at a school celebrationIndia
Students welcome guests with flags at a school eventNew Delhi

Children's Day (India) today

In many schools there are no regular lessons on 14 November. Instead there are fancy dress parades, quiz contests, drawing contests, magic shows and picnics.

The day also reminds grown ups of their duty to children: good food, safe homes, schooling and time to play.

How people celebrate Children's Day (India)

  • School fairs, games and cultural shows
  • Teachers performing for students
  • Sweets, chocolates and small gifts for children
  • Drawing and essay contests
  • Outings to parks and museums
  • Remembering Pandit Nehru, often with a red rose

How to wish well

  • Keep wishes for children short, bright and simple. A line they can read on their own works best.
  • Parents, teachers and school groups share wishes in the morning before the school programme.
  • A wish to grown-up friends about staying young at heart is a fun way to join in.
  • For a school or office notice, a formal line that remembers Pandit Nehru and every child's right to learn fits well.

Questions about Children's Day (India)

When is Children's Day in India?

Children's Day in India is on 14 November every year, the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Why is Children's Day celebrated on 14 November?

It is Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday. He loved children, and after his death in 1964 India chose his birthday as Children's Day.

Who is called Chacha Nehru?

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. Children lovingly called him Chacha, which means uncle.

What do you say on Children's Day?

Say "Happy Children's Day" or in Hindi "Bal Diwas ki hardik shubhkamnayein". In Tamil, "Iniya Kuzhandhaigal Dhina Vazhthukal".

Is Children's Day in India the same as Universal Children's Day?

No. India celebrates on 14 November. Universal Children's Day, marked in many countries, is on 20 November.

Is Children's Day a holiday in India?

It is not a public holiday. Schools stay open and hold games, shows and fun events for students.

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