Commonwealth Day 2025: Why India Celebrates Commonwealth Day on a Different Date? Know Theme, History, and More

Commonwealth Day 2025: Commonwealth Day is an annual event commemorating the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary organisation of 56 independent and equal countries. While most Commonwealth countries celebrated Commonwealth Day on the second Monday in March, India celebrates it on May 24th.

Commonwealth Day 2025 Date India

May 24th is a significant historical date in India since it commemorates Queen Victoria’s birth anniversary. This date commemorates India’s historical links to the British Empire and its transition from colonial control to an independent republic within the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Day 2025 Theme

The official theme for Commonwealth Day 2025 is, “Together We Thrive.” This theme emphasises the 56 Commonwealth nations’ united spirit, solidarity, resilience, and progress. It emphasises the necessity of building strong and connected communities that support and empower their members, allowing for significant progress towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The theme celebrates international cooperation and encourages joint action to overcome global concerns.

Commonwealth Day History

Commonwealth Day originated from Empire Day, which was established in 1902 to celebrate Queen Victoria and the British Empire.  It was first celebrated on May 24th, which coincided with Queen Victoria's birthday.  The goal was to instill a sense of group identity and imperial responsibility in young Empire citizens.

In 1958, then-UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan officially renamed Empire Day Commonwealth Day, reflecting the British Commonwealth’s developing identity as a more equitable and voluntary alliance of independent states. In 1977, the Commonwealth Secretariat standardized the date for most member countries to the second Monday in March to make sure that it fell during the academic year, resulting in active participation of schools.

Despite this global transition, India continues to celebrate Commonwealth Day on May 24th, keeping its historical tie to Queen Victoria’s birth. India joined the Commonwealth in 1950, a significant move that demonstrated its commitment to international collaboration and progress, even though it opted to remain a republic.

Commonwealth Day Significance in India

• Commonwealth Day commemorates India’s colonial heritage and its significant development into an independent, democratic republic.

• The day encourages cultural exchange and understanding among the Commonwealth’s different members, hence strengthening relationships.

• India uses its Commonwealth membership to engage in diplomacy, promote trade, and collaborate on critical global concerns such as climate change, sustainable development, and peace.

• The Commonwealth places a great emphasis on young empowerment and sustainable development, which corresponds to India’s own national interests.

• The day emphasises India’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s key ideals, such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance.