National Film Awards move out of Delhi, to be held in Kevadia in Gujarat
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, marking the first time the event has moved out of Delhi. The awards recognize various films and actors, including 'Article 370' and 'Kalki 2898 AD'.
Why it matters
This shift represents a significant change in tradition for a major national cultural event, highlighting the prominence of the Statue of Unity site.
The National Film Awards ceremony will move out of Delhi to Kevadia in Gujarat for the first time in its 72-year history with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours on September 22, officials said on Monday (September 7, 2026).
Kevadia, which has been renamed Ekta Nagar, is home to the world's tallest statue — that of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Statue of Unity, as it is named, stands at 597 feet and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
The first National Awards in 1954 were held in Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan that has hosted most of the award ceremonies since. The 72nd edition of the awards, announced in July, will be marked departure from that tradition.
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