Last Updated on 20 May 2025 IST | Commonwealth Day 2025: Many people are familiar that the 24th of May is commemorated as Commonwealth Day in India but they are unaware of the facts behind its celebration. This is why questions like ‘What is Commonwealth Day?’ keep surfacing every year.

In India, Commonwealth Day is commemorated on the 24th of May every year. This day is observed by all the nations that were once under the reign of the British Empire. Commonwealth Day is observed on the birth date of Queen Victoria, who was born on 24th May 1819. 

Commonwealth Day 2025: Highlights

• In India, Commonwealth Day is observed on the birth date of Queen Victoria, May 24.
• In countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, the Commonwealth day is observed on the second Monday of March, each year. 
• Commonwealth Day was formerly called Empire Day.
• In 1958, it was renamed ‘Commonwealth Day’ globally. 
• The theme for Commonwealth Day 2025 is “Together We Thrive”.
• There are 54 Commonwealth Nations worldwide that commemorate this day.
• Sat-Bhakti is the real Commonwealth for human society.

What is Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration that honors the shared history, culture, and values of the Commonwealth nations. Originating as Empire Day in 1904, it was initially observed on May 24 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s birthday. In 1958, it was renamed Commonwealth Day, and by 1977, the date was standardized to the second Monday in March for most member countries. However, India continues to observe it on May 24, maintaining its historical significance.

Commonwealth Day History & Background

Commonwealth Day was formerly called Empire Day, as a celebration of the birth of Queen Victoria after 1916. In 1916, Lord Meath expanded the celebration of Empire Day to all the nations of the Commonwealth. It hence became a primary occurrence in history. In 1958, the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Harold Macmillan, proclaimed in the Parliament that Empire Day would be renamed ‘Commonwealth Day’.

The Commonwealth shares history with Britain, along with some business processes, common legal systems, and cultural links. The Commonwealth Secretariat then appointed the second Monday of March to be observed as Commonwealth Day, throughout all countries of the Commonwealth. Though, some countries celebrate it on the 24th of May every year.

Commonwealth Day Aim & Significance

Commonwealth Day’s significance is of ‘being an emblem of the unity of sentiments to those ideals of justice, freedom, and tolerance for which the British Empire stood throughout the planet’, as delivered in an article dated 1916. The aim of the day, when it was observed as Empire Day, also included prompting all the children that they constituted a part of the British Empire. The children must also think like others who live in other territories. They must also learn what it is like to be the daughters and sons of the Empire.

Commonwealth Day 2025 Celebration & Theme

Commonwealth Day is commemorated on different dates across the planet. The UK, Canada, and Australia observe the day on the second Monday of March. On the other hand, India, along with nations like Belize observe Commonwealth Day on May 24. Every year, there is a unique theme for Commonwealth Day. The theme is honored and inculcated in the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth. 

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For 2025, the Commonwealth Day theme is “Together We Thrive”, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family—56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. 

It highlights the importance of:

• Cross-country collaboration
• Youth empowerment
• Promoting sustainable development
• Protecting human rights and democratic values.

This theme underscores the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that support and empower their members, enabling meaningful progress. It emphasizes unity, peace, and collaboration, highlighting how collective strength and resilience can help member nations face global challenges together.

In 2024, the theme was “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth”, focusing on building resilience, unlocking potential, and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth. This theme highlighted the need for member countries to harness their strengths to ensure a resilient common future where no one is left behind.

The theme of 2019 was ‘A Connected Commonwealth. However, the Commonwealth Day 2022 theme is ‘Delivering a Common Future’, which is the same theme carried out in 2021 and 2022. Commonwealth Day is not a statutory holiday in India. It depends on a specific country to decide whether a holiday will be observed or not. There is a  public holiday on this day in countries like Gibraltar. This theme, however, aims to emphasize how the 56 Commonwealth nations are connecting, innovating, and transforming to help obtain vital goals like achieving gender equality, promoting good governance, and tackling climate change.

Commonwealth Day Celebrations Across the World

On March 10, 2025, Commonwealth Day was marked by several key events worldwide:

1. Westminster Abbey Service – United Kingdom

A special multi-faith service was held at Westminster Abbey in London, attended by King Charles III, senior members of the royal family, and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth. The ceremony showcased cultural performances and speeches highlighting this year’s theme.

2. Youth and Educational Programs

Schools, colleges, and universities across member nations hosted discussions, debates, essay competitions, and cultural performances to raise awareness among youth about the Commonwealth’s values.

3. Legislative Activities

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) coordinated programs in various parliaments to reflect on the shared commitments of member states. These sessions were aimed at strengthening democratic governance and inter-parliamentary dialogue.

Why is Commonwealth Day Important for India?

India has been a key member of the Commonwealth since its independence in 1947. Although it chose to remain a republic, India retained its Commonwealth membership — a significant decision symbolizing its commitment to international cooperation and development.

Key Reasons for Importance:

• Global Diplomacy: India uses the Commonwealth platform to voice concerns of the Global South, especially on trade and climate change.
• Cultural Unity: The Commonwealth fosters cultural and educational exchanges between member countries.
• Economic Opportunities: Trade within Commonwealth nations is 21% cheaper on average, providing India a strategic advantage.
• Youth Empowerment: India plays a leading role in promoting youth participation and digital inclusion across member states.

How Can a Common Future Be Delivered to All?

The world is observing various challenges in the efforts of maintaining a sustainable and happy life for everyone. Social, environmental, and economical issues can’t be resolved effectively by anyone. These issues have existed for centuries and are still a huge challenge for humans. A common safe, secure, equal, and happy future can be delivered by someone omnipotent. Almighty God Kabir is the only one who can deliver a common future to everyone. 

Spirituality Has a Sustainable Solution

Every human on the planet must watch the sermons of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj on Satlok Ashram Youtube Channel. He is the present incarnation of Almighty God Kabir Himself. He has the power to end the sorrows and sufferings of all the nations. He can reunite the entire world and can bring us back to our home, the supreme abode. 

What Is the Real Commonwealth for Human Society?

Sat-bhakti (True Worship) of Supreme God Kabir Saheb obtained from enlightened Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj is the real Commonwealth for humans. Sat-bhakti has the power to end all the sufferings of those who perform it after taking naam initiation (Naam Diksha) from Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. One can also download Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj App from the play store to know about satbhakti. This app provides sacred spiritual books, audiobooks, Dowry-free marriages news, and a Blood donation column where one can register for donation of blood or can find a donor. 

Commonwealth Day 2025 Quotes

• “Sat-Bhakti teaches us to work together against all odds for tolerance and understanding.”
• “Let us work together to rise high and reach the peak.”
• “Let us talk and discuss with one another the eternal reality which can help us overcome our problems.”
• “Let us use Spirituality as a bridge to be one, as we all know Spirituality brings us together.”
• “Let us share our eternal experiences with others in society on this day.” 
• “Let us promote the Sat-Bhakti in the new generation to make them honest to develop a successful society.”

Commonwealth Day 2025 FAQs

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