Quit India Movement Day 2026 observed on August 8

Key facts

• Quit India Movement Day 2026 is observed on August 8, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's 1942 call for an immediate end to British rule in India.
• The Quit India Movement, also known as Bharat Chhodo Andolan or August Kranti, was formally launched on August 8, 1942 at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
• Mahatma Gandhi delivered his iconic 'Do or Die' speech at Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai.
• The slogan 'Quit India' is attributed to socialist leader Yusuf Meherally.
• The movement was launched after the failure of the Cripps Mission, which had rejected immediate self-government.
• The movement saw participation from students, workers, and peasants, and continued through grassroots leaders such as Aruna Asaf Ali, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Ram Manohar Lohia after top Congress leaders were arrested.
• Quit India Movement Day, also called August Kranti Diwas, is not an official public holiday but is widely observed with parliamentary tributes, memorial ceremonies, and educational events.