Gujarat Gaurav Diwas 2025: Surat hosts 66th Foundation Day parade and celebrations
Synopsis
Surat took centre stage for Gujarat's 66th Foundation Day, with over 750 police personnel, motorcycle stunts, Garba performances, and a galaxy of state and Union ministers joining Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to mark 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas' — a reminder of how the state uses its founding anniversary to project both cultural pride and administrative strength.
Key Takeaways
Surat hosted the 66th Gujarat Gaurav Diwas on 1 May 2025 , serving as the state's primary celebration venue.
The police parade featured more than 750 personnel from 18 platoons , led by IPS officer Dr.
Naveen Chakravarty .
Governor Acharya Devvrat took the salute at Y Junction before flagging off the parade to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium .
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R.
Paatil , Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi , and multiple Cabinet ministers attended the event.
Cultural performances included Garba , tribal dance, and a patriotic musical segment by singer Bhavin Shastri .
Surat served as the centrepiece of statewide festivities on 1 May 2025 as Gujarat marked its 66th Foundation Day — celebrated as 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas' — with a large-scale police parade, thematic tableaux, and cultural performances. Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led the official proceedings, drawing large public turnout across the city.
The Grand Parade
The celebrations commenced with Governor Acharya Devvrat taking the salute at Y Junction, before formally flagging off the parade towards Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. The procession featured more than 750 personnel drawn from 18 platoons of the Gujarat Police, led by IPS officer Dr. Naveen Chakravarty.
Ceremonial drill formations were combined with thematic tableaux tracing Gujarat's development journey over six decades. Police motorcycle stunts also formed part of the procession, drawing sustained applause from spectators gathered along the route.
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, alongside senior members of the state Cabinet, Parliament, and Legislative Assembly, as well as top administrative and police officials.
Cabinet members present included Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, and Health Minister Praful Pansheriya. Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Purnesh Modi, MP Mukesh Dalal, and several MLAs including Arvind Rana, Mohan Dodiya, Sandeep Desai, Mukesh Patel, and Sangeeta Patil were also in attendance.
Senior officials present included Chief Secretary M.K. Das, DGP Dr. K.L.N. Rao, District Collector Dr. Saurabh Pardhi, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, and Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan.
Cultural Performances and Public Participation
Cultural events formed a central element of the day's programme. Garba and tribal dance presentations highlighted Gujarat's traditional art forms, reflecting the state's diverse heritage. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries joined in singing
Point of View
Whose presence alongside the Governor and Chief Minister underscores the Centre-state alignment the BJP is keen to project. The optics of a 750-strong police parade, motorcycle stunts, and tribal dance in a commercial hub speak to a dual audience: the party's urban base and its outreach to Gujarat's tribal communities ahead of future electoral cycles. The real question is whether the celebratory infrastructure translates into substantive policy announcements — none were reported from this year's event.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gujarat Gaurav Diwas?
Gujarat Gaurav Diwas is the annual celebration of Gujarat's Foundation Day, marking the state's formation on 1 May 1960 when it was carved out of the former Bombay State. The 2025 edition marked the 66th anniversary of the event.
Where were the 2025 Gujarat Gaurav Diwas celebrations held?
The primary state-level celebrations were held in Surat, with the main parade commencing at Y Junction and proceeding to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. Large crowds gathered at multiple points along the parade route.
Who led the Gujarat Gaurav Diwas 2025 parade?
The police parade was led by IPS officer Dr. Naveen Chakravarty, featuring more than 750 personnel from 18 platoons of the Gujarat Police. Governor Acharya Devvrat took the salute before flagging off the procession.
Which senior leaders attended Gujarat Gaurav Diwas 2025 in Surat?
Key attendees included Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and several state Cabinet ministers, MPs, and MLAs, along with top administrative and police officials.
What cultural events were held during Gujarat Gaurav Diwas 2025?
Cultural performances included Garba and tribal dance presentations showcasing Gujarat's traditional heritage. Singer Bhavin Shastri and his band performed patriotic songs including 'Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat' as part of the district administration's evening programme.
