National Youth Day

The National Youth day is observed on January 12 every year to commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. National Youth Day became a mainstream celebration in India from 1985 onwards and observed on January 12 ever since. Swami Vivekananda was a religious leader whose ideals and work inspired the country's youth.

About Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was born in the year 1863 and died at 39-years. Even within this short span of life, his works, ideals, and words became immortal in Indian history. He was a renowned philosopher, poet, writer, and orator. He motivated the young minds of the country to education, work, and dedications. He was the pioneer in leading the youth to meaningful protests through associations. Many youth organization and association in the country closely associates themselves with this great leader.

National Youth Day celebrations

In 1985, the Government of India announced January 12 as National Youth Day. The declaration of the government stated that the life and principles of Swamiji was an enormous source of inspiration among the youth.

The day's celebration begins at the colleges, schools, and universities that have a strong youth foundation. Many colleges have clubs and associations that arrange for rallies and procession. The educational institutes in India have parades, speeches, songs, and competitions. Award ceremonies of bravery and academic excellence are a popular event for the day. In primary schools, there are prayer ceremonies along with essay writing competitions. Local youth clubs organize blood donation camps, distribution of books, and discussions on world affairs.

Many cultural associations and institutions across the country organize lectures, conferences, and presentations. The Ramakrishna Mission students and staffs across India have prayer ceremonies and study of the teaching of Swami Vivekananda.

Festivals in January 2013

Festival Name	Festivals Day/Date
Dr. Sampoornanand Jayanti	1 Jan, Sunday
New Year Day	1 Jan, Sunday
Rashtriya Balika Diwas	3 Jan, Tuesday
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti	5 Jan, Thursday
Island Tourism Festival	5-15 Jan, Thursday(starting)
International Kite Festival	9-12 Jan, Friday
Kolkata Festival	11 - 15 Jan Wednesday (starting)
National Youth Day	12 Jan, Thursday
Lohri Magh Bihu (Assam, Bengal)	13 Jan, Friday
Makara Sankranti / Uttarayan	14 Jan, Saturday
Pongal	14 - 17 Jan, Friday-Sunday
Pattadakkal Dance Festival	14 Jan, Saturday
Army Day	15 Jan, Saturday
Vivekanada Jayanti	16 Jan, Monday
Hampi Festival	18 Jan, Wednesday
Hampi Festival 500th Anniversary	18 Jan, Wednesday
Modhera Dance Festival	20 - 22 Jan, Friday - Sunday
Jaipur Literature Festival	20- 24 Jan, Friday-Tuesday
Desh Prem Diwas	23 Jan, Monday
Netaji Jayanti	23 Jan, Monday
Republic Day	26 Jan, Thursday
Vasant Panchami/Saraswati Puja	28 Jan, Friday
Mahatma Gandhi's Assassination Day	30 Jan, Monday
Martyr's Day	30 Jan, Monday
Mamallapuram Festival	27 Dec, 2013- Jan 26, 2013, Tuesday-Thursday
Kerala Village Fair	Mid Jan
Agni Utsav(Orissa)	Mid January