¨     Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2026 is celebrated on February 20 to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh was officially recognized as the 24th state of India on February 20, 1987.

¨     Also known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," Arunachal Pradesh holds a unique cultural, historical, and geopolitical significance in India.
History of Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day
¨     Arunachal Pradesh, meaning "Land of the Mountains Sparkling with the Dawn Light," is located in the northeastern region of India and borders Assam, Nagaland, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.
¨     Before attaining statehood in 1987, the region was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and was administered by Assam under British rule.
¨     After India's independence in 1947, NEFA remained under the administrative control of Assam until 1972, when it was declared a Union Territory and renamed Arunachal Pradesh.
¨     On February 20, 1987, the region was granted full statehood, officially becoming an integral part of India. This historic decision aimed to ensure better governance, development, and integration of the region into the Indian mainstream.