15th April- Himachal Day: The day when the state of Himachal Pradesh came into existence

Himachal day is celebrated on April 15^th every year. It was on this day in 1948 that Himachal Pradesh was created as a province of India.

History of Himachal Day

Following independence from Britain in 1947, the Chief Commissioner’s Province of Himachal Pradesh was created on April 15th 1948 as a result of the integration of 30 petty princely states (including feudal princes and zaildars) in the promontories of the western Himalayas.

Most of the areas of Himachal Pradesh were a part of Punjab state and during that time this region was divided into four different regions i.e. Chamba, Mandi, Mahasu and Sirmaur.

On the 15th April Chief Commission inaugurated this territory and after that this day was celebrated as ‘Himachal Day’ every year. Later in the 1970 the union territory was declared as a separate state. On December 18th 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on January 25th 1971. Himachal then became the eighteenth state of the Indian Union. This event is marked by the public holiday of Statehood Day in Himachal Pradesh on January 25th each year.

Himachal Pradesh has developed rapidly after coming into existence on April 15, 1948, following the merger of 30 princely states. Difficult geographical conditions, inaccessible areas, and other complexities could not affect the courage of the people.

Himachal Pradesh is in northern India. Bordering Tibet, it is noted for its Himalayan landscapes (Himachal means ‘snow-laden region’) and is a popular tourist destination for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty.

The state also has the fourth highest per capita income of the Indian States and is the third fastest growing economy in India.

Some Facts about Himachal Pradesh

1. The word “Himachal” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Hima” (snow) and “Anchal” (lap). The state, situated amid valleys and hills, virtually sits in the lap of the Himalayas.
2. The main language spoken in the state is Hindi but there are several local dialects like Mahasu, Pahari, Mandeali, Kangri, Kullvi, Bilaspuri and Kinnauri.
3. The recorded historyof Himachal Pradesh goes back to the Maurya period, that is, 4th Century B.C.
4. A large part of Himachal Pradesh is in the Alpine zone with an average altitude of 4,500 metre.
5. Himachal Pradesh boasts of spectacular snow-capped ranges like the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and the Zaskar.
6. Tourism and agriculture are the backbone of the economy of Himachal Pradesh.
7. The state has beautiful tourist destinations like Shimla – the queen of hill stations, Bilaspur, Mandi, Chamba, Kullu, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Kangra, Palampur, Solan, Manali and Dharmshala.
8. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, often called the “toy train”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. The Kalka-Shimla Railway traverses the steepest slope (over 5800 ft) in roughly 95 km. The train crosses several bridges and tunnels.
10. Himachal Pradesh has 26 Wildlife Sanctuaries and four National Parks namely Great Himalayan NP, Pin Valley NP, Khirganga NP and Inderkila NP