Archive · 14 Aug 2026
West Bengal declares August 16 Ayushman Divas, drops Khela Hobe
August 16 is going to be a special day in the state of West Bengal, and it has a new name: Ayushman Divas.
The state's leader, Suvendu Adhikari, announced this change.
Before, that day was used for games and fun and was called Khela Hobe Divas.
Adhikari says the day should be serious because long ago, in 1946, many people were hurt and killed in Kolkata during something called the Great Calcutta Killings.
So the day will now be about remembering that sad part of history.
It will also be about health.
People will start getting special health cards called Ayushman Bharat cards, which help pay for doctor visits and hospitals.
People who don't get those cards can get help from another plan called Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima.
Adhikari also wants people to remember other parts of history, like the role of Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
He asked everyone to stay united and learn lessons from the Partition of the past.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced August 16 will be observed as 'Ayushman Divas', replacing the former Trinamool Congress regime's 'Khela Hobe Divas'.
Adhikari linked the date to the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings, saying it should be remembered for the violence of Partition rather than marked with sporting festivities.
The main Ayushman Divas programme will be held at Netaji Indoor Stadium at 3 pm on Sunday, with Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel attending and distribution of Ayushman Bharat health cards beginning.
Those not covered by Ayushman Bharat will receive similar benefits under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima scheme, with the initiative aimed at healthcare for West Bengal's nearly 11 crore people.
Adhikari also said his government restored June 20 as West Bengal Day, replacing the earlier observance of Poila Baisakh, and announced a floral tribute to Netaji at Red Road and Raksha Bandhan programmes at 4,000 locations.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision; Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel will attend the main programme.
- What
- August 16 will be observed as 'Ayushman Divas' instead of 'Khela Hobe Divas', with distribution of Ayushman Bharat health cards to begin.
- When
- The announcement was made on Friday; the main Ayushman Divas programme will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, August 16.
- Where
- West Bengal, with the main programme at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata and related events in New Town, Garia and Sealdah.
- Why
- To commemorate the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and to ensure healthcare for West Bengal's nearly 11 crore people.
Current West Bengal government
Former Trinamool Congress regime
Observance of August 16
Current West Bengal government
August 16 should be observed as 'Ayushman Divas' to remember the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and promote healthcare, not enjoyed as a sporting event.
Former Trinamool Congress regime
August 16 was earlier celebrated as 'Khela Hobe Divas' with sporting festivities under the Trinamool Congress regime.
West Bengal Day date
Current West Bengal government
June 20 should be observed as West Bengal Day to reflect the 'true history' of the Bengal Legislative Assembly's June 20, 1947 vote for a separate homeland.
Former Trinamool Congress regime
The earlier observance of Poila Baisakh as West Bengal Day was cancelled by the current government in favour of June 20.
- Event
- Ayushman Divas observed on August 16
- Replaces
- 'Khela Hobe Divas' of the former Trinamool Congress regime
- Main venue
- Netaji Indoor Stadium, 3 pm
- Key attendee
- Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel
- Health schemes
- Ayushman Bharat health cards; Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima for those not covered
- Target population
- Nearly 11 crore people in West Bengal
- Historical context
- 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Partition of Bengal