Children’s Day 2026: November 14 Date, History, Significance and Celebrations

In India, Children’s Day or Bal Diwas is celebrated on November 14 every year to commemorate the birthday of the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In 2026, Children’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday to commemorate the 137th birthday of Nehru, who is popularly known as Chacha Nehru. He is well known for being fond of children and placing great importance on providing them with education. On this day, we recognise how important it is to give children their rights.

History of Children’s Day in India

Children’s Day in India is directly linked to Jawaharlal Nehru. He was born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He became the first Prime Minister of India in 1947 and served until his death in 1964.

Jawaharlal Nehru was well known as Chacha Nehru due to his love for children. He believed that children should be provided with education, care and development.

Interestingly, Children’s Day was being celebrated on the 14 th November whilst Nehru was alive. In a note written in the Nehru Archive on 13 th November 1957, it states that Nehru said that the day should be celebrated as Children’s Day instead of his birthday. Additionally, Nehru stated in a speech on 14 th November 1957 that the day should be celebrated as Children’s Day.

Did Children’s Day Change to 14th November After Nehru Died?

A common story is that after Nehru died in 1964, Children’s Day in India was moved to the 14 th November to commemorate him via a parliamentary resolution. However, it has been recorded that Children’s Day was celebrated on 14 th November in 1957.

The Nehru Archive also states that the Indian Council for Child Welfare had requested that it be celebrated on the 14 th November. Therefore, we should not state that it was officially moved after Nehru passed away.

Importance of Children’s Day

Children’s Day is not just celebrated in schools. It is to remind us that we have a responsibility to give children their rights.

It reminds us that children need;

• Education – All children deserve quality education.
• Health and nutrition – Children need good healthcare, good nutrition and a safe environment.
• Protection – Children need to be protected from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and child labour.
• Opportunities – All children should have the opportunity to learn.
• Fun – Children need to play sports, be creative and have fun.

How Children’s Day is Celebrated in Schools and Communities

Schools, educational institutions and community groups all celebrate Children’s Day with lots of activities to get the children involved.

Schools often hold;

• Cultural events – Songs, dance, plays and performances organised by teachers and pupils.
• Sport – Fun sports days, outdoor activities and team games.
• Creative activities – Children get to be creative by drawing, painting, storytelling and craft competitions.
• Learning – Children often go on educational trips such as museums, science centres and historical sites.

Community groups often run

• Health days – Health camps, educational resources and awareness activities about children’s rights.
• Parents and families can also celebrate by having;

Storytelling sessions, going on nature walks, playing board games, going on picnics and doing activities the children want to do.

National Children’s Day vs World Children’s Day

National Children’s Day in India and World Children’s Day by the United Nations are celebrated on different days.

Specifically	National Children’s Day (India)	World Children’s Day
Date	14th November	20th November
Commemorates	Birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru	Child rights milestones by the UN
Celebrated in	India	Worldwide
Main Focus	Children’s well-being, education and development.	Children’s rights.
Mainly Linked To	Chacha Nehru	United Nations and UNICEF

Why is World Children’s Day Celebrated on the 20 th November?

In 1954 the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 836 (IX) on 14 December, proposing that countries should create a Universal Children’s Day.

The 20 th November was chosen as it is a significant date for child rights globally. This is because,

• Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959.
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that recognises children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation. It came into effect on the 2 nd September 1990.