Mizoram Statehood Day 2024 Date: Why Mizoram State Day Celebrated On Feb 20

Mizoram Statehood Day 2024: Mizoram Foundation Day is a special day for the Mizo people as it celebrates their identity and achievements. It is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices they made to become a state.

The day also commemorates the progress Mizoram has made since its inception. The state has seen improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. It has also made strides in empowering women and promoting gender equality.

Is Mizoram Statehood Day a Public Holiday?

Mizoram State Day is observed annually on 20th February, Tuesday. It is an official holiday for both the public and banks in Mizoram. On this day, schools, colleges, and government offices remain closed in the state. It marks the significant occasion of Mizoram being recognized as a full-fledged state on 20th February 1987.

Mizoram Statehood Day History

Mizoram Statehood Day | Photo: X

Mizoram has a rich history that traces back to the migration of the Mizos, who were part of a Mongoloid wave from China. They settled in different places, with those who migrated to India being called Kukis, New Kukis, and finally, the Lushais. The 18th and 19th centuries saw tribal raids and retaliatory expeditions in the Mizo Hills.

During British rule, the Mizos in Lushai Hills formed the Mizo Common People's Union in 1946, later renamed the Mizo Union. They sought autonomy and the inclusion of Mizo-inhabited areas, leading to the formation of the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council in 1952. However, the Mizos wanted further integration and appealed to the States Reorganization Commission in 1954.

Tribal leaders, dissatisfied with the recommendations, formed the Eastern India Union (EITU) in 1955, demanding a separate hill state. The Mizo Union split, with a faction joining the EITU. Eventually, Mizoram achieved statehood on 20 February 1987, through the Fifty-Third Amendment of the Indian Constitution, after being a Union Territory since 1972. The name ¡®Mizoram¡¯ is a combination of ¡®Mizo,¡¯ the collective name of the native inhabitants, and ¡®Ram,¡¯ meaning land. The state shares borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, reflecting its distinct identity and culture within the northeastern region of India.

Why is Mizoram State Day celebrated on Feb 20?

Mizoram Statehood Day is a special day celebrated in the Indian state of Mizoram. It commemorates the day when Mizoram officially became a full-fledged state of India on February 20, 1987. Before this, Mizoram was a Union Territory. The transition from Union Territory to State was a significant milestone for the people of Mizoram, as it granted them more autonomy and control over their affairs.

On this day, people in Mizoram celebrate with great enthusiasm and pride. The day is marked by various cultural events, including traditional dances, music performances, and sports competitions. It is also a time for reflection and remembrance of the struggles and sacrifices made by the people of Mizoram to achieve statehood.

The Statehood Day celebrations are an opportunity for Mizoram to showcase its rich cultural heritage and to promote tourism in the region. It is a day of joy and pride for the people of Mizoram, as they celebrate their identity and their place within the diverse tapestry of India.

Interesting Facts about Mizoram

• Mizo Hills became a part of British India in 1895.
• The name "Mizoram" is derived from "Mi" meaning people, "zo" meaning hills, and "ram" meaning country, reflecting its status as the country of people living in hills.
• Mizoram is the second least populous state in India, after Sikkim, and the fifth smallest state in terms of area.
• Mizoram is highly praised for its strict adherence to traffic rules. Commuters in Mizoram stay within demarcated lines and avoid overtaking other vehicles, setting an example for the rest of India.
• Approximately 91% of Mizoram is covered by forests, making it one of the most forested states in India.
• Mizoram boasts one of the highest literacy rates in India, at 91.33%, surpassing the national average of 74.04%.
• According to the State of Forest Report 2017, Mizoram has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area, with 86.27% of its land being forested.
• Bamboo is abundant in Mizoram, with around 44% of the state's area being covered by bamboo forests.
• Football is the most popular sport in Mizoram, with the state hosting its first football league in 2012.
• Mizoram is often referred to as a "peninsula state" because it is surrounded by international borders on three sides.
• Mizoram is renowned for its traditional dances, including Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheihlam, and Chai.
• Phawngpui Tlang, also known as the Blue Mountain, is the highest peak in Mizoram, standing at 2,210 meters and located in the southeastern part of the state.
• The state is also known for its beautifully carved caves, such as Milu Puk near Mamte, where numerous human skeletons were discovered years ago.