Teachers’ Day 2026: History, Significance & Why We Celebrate It On September 5

India celebrates Teachers’ Day every year on September 5 to honour educators and their lasting influence.

[{"selector":"#anim-2bff843e-01c8-4a3e-9b5b-24b4ccb4da64 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(13.119835210119703%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned scholar and former President of India.

[{"selector":"#anim-6f781fde-187c-4c30-9fbe-17452a6f407d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Born in 1888, Radhakrishnan was a philosopher, academic, Vice President and India’s second President.

[{"selector":"#anim-f08fa491-0946-43e7-9963-9b909833ecc6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-17.422779725102615%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Radhakrishnan suggested celebrating his birthday as Teachers’ Day instead of holding a personal celebration.

[{"selector":"#anim-f16df930-c5eb-4f34-8790-98eb79d70230 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-8.55823850836758%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Teachers nurture knowledge, curiosity and critical thinking, helping students prepare for life beyond classrooms.

[{"selector":"#anim-a20a3f4c-1a36-4005-97d4-a4aba9cc0dd1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

A teacher’s guidance can influence a student’s confidence, choices, ambitions and outlook on life.

[{"selector":"#anim-c6034ed3-044c-43f2-8c8d-f2a5c179ada6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Teachers’ Day gives students an opportunity to recognise and appreciate educators who have shaped their journey.

[{"selector":"#anim-9308516f-20a3-4fc7-aaa6-4d8351725a7b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-14.843749786673241%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

One encouraging teacher can spark confidence, inspire ambition and change the course of a student’s life.

[{"selector":"#anim-95527fb4-f26e-4ad7-9d00-6916889f3516 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, -0.000004894267945587671%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

This Teachers’ Day, thank the educator whose words, guidance or belief in you still makes a difference.

[{"selector":"#anim-6e063c4c-8ecd-405f-bfb7-77ef8a3ac5e3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]