Gujarat: India’s fight against armed Naxalism will be the main focus of the National Unity Day 2026 Parade on October 31 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Special contingents of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite CoBRA unit and Chhattisgarh Police will showcase their achievements in anti-Naxal operations.
The celebrations will highlight the role of security forces in tackling Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and the country’s efforts to bring lasting peace to formerly Naxal-affected regions.
National Unity Day 2026: Naxal-Mukt Bharat Theme To Dominate Parade
The annual Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, is observed on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
This year, the celebrations at Ekta Nagar will place special emphasis on India’s campaign against armed Naxalism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebrations at the Statue of Unity complex. The evening parade will showcase the contributions of police forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security organisations.
According to the Union Home Ministry, the parade will highlight the achievements of security forces in combating Left-Wing Extremism and the transformation of previously affected regions towards peace, security and development.
Short films highlighting the achievements of participating security forces will also be displayed on large LED screens during the march-past.
National Unity Day 2026: CoBRA Unit To Showcase Its Anti-Naxal Operations
The CRPF’s elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) will be among the major attractions of this year’s parade.
Around 144 CoBRA personnel are expected to participate in the march-past. The contingent will be led by an Assistant Commandant, along with two subordinate officers.
CoBRA is a specialised unit of the CRPF trained for operations in difficult forest and jungle environments.
The force has played an important role in countering armed Naxal groups in challenging areas, including the Abujhmad and Saranda forests.
These regions have presented serious operational challenges because of difficult terrain, dense forests and the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The participation of CoBRA will highlight the courage, training and operational experience of personnel involved in counter-Naxal operations.
Chhattisgarh Police To Deploy Around 650 Personnel
Chhattisgarh Police will also have a major presence at the National Unity Day parade.
The state will present three contingents comprising male District Reserve Guard (DRG), female DRG and Special Task Force (STF) personnel.
The combined strength of these contingents will be around 650 personnel. A dog squad and a motorcycle team will also participate in the march-past. The District Reserve Guard has played an important role in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh.
DRG personnel have worked closely with the STF and central security forces in several major operations, including Hapatora, Abujhmad, Thulthuli and Operation Black Forest.
Their participation will highlight the importance of coordination between state police forces and central security agencies in tackling Left-Wing Extremism.
National Unity Day 2026: Women Security Personnel To Get Special Recognition
Women personnel from the CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police will also participate in this year’s celebrations. The women’s District Reserve Guard contingent of Chhattisgarh Police alone will comprise 144 personnel.
The CRPF contingent will also include women officers and personnel, including Sub-Inspector Chhaya.
Their participation highlights the growing role of women in India’s internal security operations. Women personnel are increasingly contributing to field operations, specialised security duties and other important responsibilities within the country’s police and paramilitary forces.
National Unity Day 2026: National School Of Drama To Present ‘Naxal-Mukt Bharat’ Performance
Apart from the military-style march-past, the National School of Drama (NSD) will present a special theatrical performance based on the theme of Naxal-Mukt Bharat.
Around 2,000 artists from 126 districts that have experienced armed Naxalism at some point will participate in the programme.
Through their performances, the artists will portray the difficulties faced by people living in areas affected by armed Naxal violence.
The presentation will highlight how violence affected people’s lives, property and everyday activities. Around 5,000 people from these 126 districts have also been invited to attend the celebrations.
They will get an opportunity to interact with others and share their experiences of living through the period of armed Naxalism.
The programme aims to highlight not only the contribution of security forces but also the experiences of ordinary people who suffered because of the violence.
15 Tableaux And Motorcycle Rally To Be Part Of Celebrations
The National Unity Day celebrations will also include several cultural and patriotic programmes. A total of 15 tableaux will be presented during the event. Five tableaux will focus on national themes, while the remaining 10 will highlight Gujarat’s culture and identity.
A special motorcycle rally involving participants from all 36 states and Union Territories, along with Central Armed Police Forces, will also be organised.
The rally will promote the message of a drug-free India. Overall, around 25,000 people are expected to attend the National Unity Day celebrations at Ekta Nagar.
Read also: Inside Operation Sohan: How Intelligence Led Security Forces To Two Terrorists In Udhampur
FAQs
Naxal-Mukt Bharat is a major focus of the 2026 National Unity Day parade, highlighting India’s achievements against armed Naxalism and Left-Wing Extremism.
National Unity Day 2026 will be celebrated on October 31, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The participating forces will include the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit, Chhattisgarh Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
