Sikkim Celebrates 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026

Sikkim celebrated its 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026, marking more than five decades since it became a state of India in 1975. Before joining India, Sikkim was an independent Himalayan kingdom ruled by the Chogyal, the king of the Namgyal dynasty.

During the early 1970s, there were growing demands within Sikkim for democratic government and greater public participation in decision-making. This led to a referendum in 1975, in which the majority of people voted in favour of joining India. Following the vote, the monarchy was abolished.

Sikkim was then formally made the 22nd state of India through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975. The state is known for its rich cultural diversity and strong Buddhist heritage, and it lies in the eastern Himalayas.

For exam aspirants, the important facts are that Sikkim became a state in 1975 through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, that it was earlier ruled by the Chogyal of the Namgyal dynasty, and that it is India's 22nd state.