Mahaparinirvan Din — 6 December

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was a jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who fought against caste discrimination and untouchability throughout his life.

Key roles:

• Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution — he is rightly called the Father of the Indian Constitution.
• India's first Law Minister after independence.
• Founder of the Scheduled Castes Federation and Republican Party of India.
• Led the Mahad Satyagraha (1927) for Dalits' right to use public water sources.
• Converted to Buddhism on 14 October 1956 along with approximately 600,000 followers.

'Mahaparinirvan' (महापरिनिर्वाण) is a Pali/Sanskrit Buddhist term. 'Nirvana' means liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 'Mahaparinirvan' refers specifically to the final passing away of an enlightened being — the complete liberation after death.

Dr. Ambedkar had embraced Buddhism just weeks before his death (14 October 1956). His followers and the Buddhist community, therefore, refer to his death anniversary using this Buddhist term, which carries the connotation of final enlightenment and liberation rather than mere death.

Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai:

• The main observance takes place at Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar, Mumbai — the memorial built at the site where Dr. Ambedkar was cremated.
• Millions of Ambedkarite Buddhists and Dalit communities travel to Mumbai on 6 December to pay homage.
• It is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world.

National observances:

• Parliament and government offices observe silence and pay tributes.
• Statues of Dr. Ambedkar across the country are garlanded.
• Schools, colleges, and social organisations hold seminars, speeches, and cultural programmes on Ambedkar's life and legacy.
• State governments declare a public holiday in several states.

14 April 1891 — Born in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh (now called Ambedkar Nagar). 14 April is observed as Ambedkar Jayanti. 14 October 1956 — Converted to Buddhism at a mass ceremony in Nagpur with hundreds of thousands of followers. 6 December 1956 — Passed away at his residence in Delhi. Observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. 26 November 1949 — Indian Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly (Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas). 1990 — Awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously.