Police Commemoration Day 2026, 21 October, History, and Key Events

Police Commemoration Day is observed across India on October 21 every year. It honours the police and security personnel who gave their lives while serving the country. In 2026, the day falls on a Wednesday.

Why Is Police Commemoration Day Celebrated on 21 October 2026?

October 21 is linked to a tragic event of 1959, when ten Indian policemen were killed while guarding the border with China in Ladakh. To remember their courage, this date was chosen as the day to pay tribute to every police officer who has died in the line of duty. Each year, the nation pauses on this day to thank those who protect citizens, often at great personal risk.

What does Police Commemoration Day mean?

The day is also known as Police Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day in all police forces of India. It is not only about the 1959 incident. It reminds people of the daily dangers police personnel face, from border duty to law and order and internal security.

The numbers show how big this sacrifice is. Since Independence, 34,832 police personnel have lost their lives while protecting the nation and its people. The day also encourages the public to respect the police force and its families.

History of Police Commemoration Day

The Hot Springs Incident: On October 21, 1959

Hot Springs is in the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh, at a height of about 15,000 to 16,000 feet on the Indo-Tibet border. In 1959, the Chinese army became more active in the area. In response, a border force made up of CRPF personnel and other forces was sent to guard the frontier.

On October 21, 1959, a small Indian police patrol was attacked by heavily armed Chinese troops. The soldiers fought in very harsh terrain and freezing weather with far fewer men and weapons.

10 Indian Policemen Casualties

Ten Indian policemen died in the clash, and several others were wounded. A memorial built at Hot Springs still honours them. Police personnel from different parts of India visit it every year as a mark of respect.

Official Recognition

In January 1960, the annual Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police decided that October 21 would be observed as Police Commemoration Day. Since then, all state and central police forces have followed this tradition.

How Is Police Commemoration Day Observed?

1. National ceremony: The main event is held at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. It includes a parade, a roll call of martyrs and wreath-laying by senior government and police officials.
2. Wall of Valour: The memorial has a 30-foot granite sculpture carrying the names of more than 35,000 police martyrs. The complex covers 6.3 acres and also has a National Police Museum showing the history, uniforms and weapons of police forces.
3. Traditional honours: Arms are reversed (Shok Shastra), two minutes of silence are observed, the names of fallen personnel are read aloud, and three volleys are fired as a mark of respect.
4. State and local events: State police headquarters, district units and Central Armed Police Forces hold similar parades. The Rajasthan Police, for example, organises one at its academy in Jaipur.
5. Community activities: Blood donation camps, tree plantations and programmes to support police families are also arranged.