National Teachers' Day 2026: Date, History and Celebration

National Teachers' Day is observed every year on September 5 in India, marking the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country's second President and first Vice-President. The day is dedicated to recognising the important role teachers play in shaping students and, by extension, the future of the nation.

5th Sept 2026: 65th Teachers' Day Celebration

India has been celebrating Teachers' Day on September 5 since 1962, making 2026 the 65th edition of this observance. Although it isn't a public holiday, schools and colleges across the country set aside regular classes to celebrate teachers instead, with students organising various activities to express their gratitude.

Why National Teachers’ Day Is Celebrated on 5 September

The date holds significance because it marks Dr. Radhakrishnan's birth anniversary. Teachers' Day traditions vary globally, with many countries observing World Teachers' Day on October 5 instead, but India chose this date specifically to honour Dr Radhakrishnan's own journey as an educator before he entered public life.

About Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

1. Born on September 5, 1888, in a Telugu family near Thiruttani in the erstwhile Madras Presidency, Dr Radhakrishnan studied Philosophy at the University of Madras and went on to become one of modern India's most respected scholars, known for his critical work on Vedanta philosophy. 
2. He served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931-36 and later Banaras Hindu University from 1939-48, while also authoring notable works like The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore.
3. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times and the Nobel Peace Prize eleven times. 
4. After India's independence, he served as the country's first Vice-President from 1952-62 before becoming President from 1962-67. 
5. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954 and passed away on April 17, 1975.

President Droupadi Murmu Will Confer the National Teachers' Awards 2026

As part of this year's celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu will present the National Teachers' Awards 2026 to 48 school teachers and 21 higher education and polytechnic teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 5. The 48 school-level awardees have been selected from across various states, union territories, and central organisations, comprising 26 male and 22 female teachers.

National Teachers Day 2026 Celebrations Across India

On this day, students typically express their appreciation through flowers, greeting cards, and gestures like touching their teachers' feet for blessings. Many schools organise skits and plays highlighting the teacher-student bond, along with speeches from both students and teachers. In recent years, this has extended to social media as well, with students sending wishes and messages online