Puducherry formally known as Pondicherry is a union territory of India and it celebrates its Liberation Day annually on 1st November as this day commemorates the transfer of Puducherry from the French colonial rule to the Republic of India.
Puducherry came under the rule of French East India Company around the 17th century. French India consisted of Puducherry and other French colonies such as Chandernagor, Mahe, Yanam, Karaikal, and Masulipatam.
Well the French transferred the control of Puducherry into India on 1st November, 1954 but it must be noted here that the state legally merged with the Republic of India on 16th August 1962.
| Event | Puducherry Liberation Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 1, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | The day celebrates the Liberation day of Puducherry. |
| Observed by | India |
Puducherry Liberation Day History:
The foundation of Pondicherry was laid in the year 1673 after the "La Compagnie française des Indes orientales" was successfully obtained firman from the Qiladar of Valikondapurarm under the Sultan of Bijapur. On 4th February 1673 a French Company Official by name Bellanger, took up residence in the Danish Lodge in Pondicherry. In 1674, the French Company placed François Martin as the first Governor and who initiated the ambitious project to transform Pondicherry from a small fishing village into a flourishing port-town.
In 1674 the Governor of "La Compagnie française des Indes orientales" (French East India Company) François Martin, set up a trading centre at Pondicherry and this outpost eventually became the chief French settlement in India. During the period from 1720-1738the French company acquired Mahe, Yanam and Karaikal. In the period of Anglo-French wars from 1742 to1763 Puducherry changed hands and in 1761 the British “East India Company” captured Puducherry from the French and restored the French Company administration by the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
During the French Revolution in the year 1793 the British "East India Company" took control of the region and returned to the French "East India Company" in 1814. However, when the British "East India Company" gained control of the whole of India in the late 1850s, they allowed the French "East India Company" to retain their settlements at Pondicherry, Mahe, Yanam, Karaikal and Chandronagor.
In 1947, the independence of India gave impetus for the union of France’s Indian possessions with former British India and an agreement between French Government and India Government, in 1948, stipulated that the inhabitants of France’s Indian possessions would choose their political future. On a de facto basis, the bureaucracy had been united with India’s on 1 November 1954 and the de jure union of French India with the Indian Union took place in the year 1963. In the process Chandronagor opted to be merged with the State of West Bengal and Pondicherry along with Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam was constituted as a Union Territory in the Indian Union.
Puducherry Liberation Day Significance:
The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises of the erstwhile French colonies viz. Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. The Puducherry and Karaikal regions are surrounded by the State of Tamilnadu, whereas Mahe is surrounded by the State of Kerala and Yanam by the state of Andra Pradesh. The Union Territory of Puducherry is a small territory in India with a population of over 1.6 million as of recent population estimates.
Puducherry is a union territory so Union territory is a type of administrative division in India. All the Indian states have their own governments. Union territories are federal territories governed directly by the union (central) government). Several union territories have gone on to became states. In case of Puducherry although it is union territory but it has its own legislative assembly as well like states.
Today this holiday is very important for the people of Puducherry as it celebrates their history and that's why it is celebrated as a public holiday in the union territory. This also reminds them of their past as how their union territory came to be at how it is today and it also gives them an opportunity to celebrate their patriotism for the country as this celebrates the moment when Puducherry joined the Indian Union.
Puducherry has so much to offer to the world. From its widespread beautiful beaches to its delicious coffee, Puducherry is a must-visit kind of place amd this day gives a opportunity for the union territory to present itself to all of the country regarding its importance. Puducherry has a long history, culture and traditions as well so this day also gives an opportunity to the people to Puducherry to proudly display their culture and traditions.
Puducherry Liberation Day Celebrations:
On the day, public events are held and emphasis is given on the history of the referendum vote of independence. The Chief Minister of the union territory unfurls the national flag on the occasion, freedom fighters of the UT are honoured and various cultural troupes are performed on this day.
Puducherry Liberation Day focuses on the referendum vote of independence and its importance in history. Use this day as an opportunity to learn more about this. As it is seen that most people from the rest of India are still very unfamiliar with Puducherry's history and culture so this day gives a nice opportunity to all of the people to take a deep into the union territory's history and learn about its culture and traditions.
Puducherry is a veey beautiful place as well so a visit to Puducherry during this day is gonna be marvelous! The city of Puducherry within the Puducherry union territory is the epicentre of tourism in the UT as it is loaded with spectacular beaches along with beautiful buildings with French architecture reminding people about its colonial past and as well as the delicious food offered by the UT so you definitely shouldn't miss this opportunity.
Most Searched FAQs on Puducherry Liberation Day:
1. When is Puducherry Liberation Day celebrated?
Puducherry Liberation Day is annually celebrated on 1st November.
2. What does Puducherry Liberation Day commemorates?
Puducherry Liberation Day commemorates the transfer of Puducherry from the French colonial rule to the Republic of India in 1954.
3. What are the languages spoken in Puducherry?
Tamil is one of the most common languages of the region. Additionally, Hindi, English, and French are also present here.