It commemorates the day when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947, making Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India.
The Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day was officially made a public holiday in 2020 to be celebrated every year in the valley.
Originally, Maharaja Hari Singh had decided to retain the independence of his state, signing standstill agreements with both the neighbouring countries to maintain the status quo.
However, after he faced attacks from Pathan tribes’ people and army personnel from Pakistan, he sought India’s help.
Thus, the Maharaja inked the treaty on October 26, 1947.