Puducherry Liberation Day is an annual event that is celebrated on November 1 to commemorate the day in 1954 when Puducherry was liberated from French rule and became a Union Territory of India. Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, gained its significance as ‘the French Riviera of the East’ after the advent of French colonisation in India. Puducherry is the Tamil interpretation of ‘new town’. Puducherry was a French colony for over 250 years, and it was one of the last remnants of French colonial rule in India. The liberation movement gained momentum after India gained independence in 1947. Local leaders and the Indian government negotiated for the integration of Puducherry into India. In this article, let’s learn more about the Puducherry Liberation Day 2024 date, history and the significance of the annual observance. Indian States and Their Formation Dates: Maharashtra Din, Bihar Day, Karnataka Rajyotsava, Kerala Piravi & More – Marking Celebrations of Statehood Days.

Puducherry Liberation Day 2024 Date

Puducherry Liberation Day 2024 will be celebrated on Friday, November 1.

Puducherry Liberation Day History

In 1948, India and France agreed that the people of France's Indian possessions would decide their political future. On 18 March 1954, a number of resolutions were passed by the municipalities in Pondicherry, demanding an immediate merger with India. Days later, similar resolutions were passed by the municipalities in Karaikal. The resolutions had the full support of the French Indian Councillors, popularly known as ministers and the president of the representative assembly. On October 18, 1954, in a general election involving 178 people in municipal Pondicherry and the Commune of Panchayat, 170 people were in favour of the merger, and eight people voted against it. EU Elections 2024: Overseas French Citizens in India Cast Their Vote in Puducherry To Choose Representatives for European Parliament (Watch Video).

The de facto transfer of the French Indian territories from French governance to the Indian Union took place on November 1, 1954, and was established as the union territory of Pondicherry. The treaty affecting the de jure transfer was signed in 1956. However, due to opposition in France, the ratification of this treaty by the French National Assembly only took place on August 16, 1962. On November 1, 1954, M R K Nehru, the then general secretary of Foreign Affairs, hoisted the Indian flag to mark the independence.

Puducherry Liberation Day Significance

Puducherry Liberation Day holds great significance as Puducherry got liberated from French control on November 1, 1954. On this day, the Chief Minister of Puducherry hoists the national flag at the Chief Secretariat. Various cultural events and performances are organised to showcase the heritage and diversity of Puducherry. People celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and passion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 01, 2024 07:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).