About International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day, on 21 February, celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity and the right to learn and speak in one's mother tongue. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and has been observed every year since 2000.
International Mother Language Day celebrates the languages people first learn at home, and encourages the protection of linguistic diversity around the world. UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1999, and it has been observed every year since 2000.
The date comes from the Bengali Language Movement. On 21 February 1952, students in Dhaka, then part of Pakistan, were killed while demanding recognition for Bengali. Bangladesh marks the date as Shaheed Dibas, and the idea of a global day came from Bangladesh.
How it is marked
Schools hold poetry readings, storytelling, essay writing and cultural programmes in many languages, while libraries and universities organise talks on endangered languages and multilingual education. At home, families share songs, sayings and recipes in their home language with children.
India, with its hundreds of languages and dialects, has a special connection to the day. In West Bengal, 21 February is widely marked as Bhasha Dibas, with songs and tributes to the language martyrs.
What to write
Celebrate the recipient's language, or write a line in it, and thank them for keeping it alive.
- Aai, thank you for making us speak Marathi at home even when we complained. I'm glad now.
- Teach me one new Tamil word today and I promise to use it wrongly all week. Happy Mother Language Day.
- Your Bangla poem at the school function made Dida cry, the good kind. Proud of you.
How to wish someone on International Mother Language Day
pride in the language we grew up with, and respect for every language spoken around us
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is International Mother Language Day on 21 February?
The date honours students who were killed in Dhaka on 21 February 1952 while demanding recognition for the Bengali language. UNESCO chose the date when it proclaimed the day in 1999.
What is the Shaheed Minar?
The Shaheed Minar in Dhaka is a monument to those who died in the 1952 Language Movement. On 21 February, people lay flowers there and at replica memorials elsewhere.
How can schools celebrate International Mother Language Day?
Schools can invite students to recite poems, tell stories or display words from their home languages, and hold activities that show respect for every language in the classroom.
When is International Mother Language Day in 2026?
International Mother Language Day 2026 falls on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
What is International Mother Language Day?
International Mother Language Day, on 21 February, celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity and the right to learn and speak in one's mother tongue. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and has been observed every year since 2000.
Is International Mother Language Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Mother Language Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Mother Language Day?
Focus on pride in the language we grew up with, and respect for every language spoken around us. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Mother Language Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .