The holiday is celebrated in India on the 12th of January on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. Swami was an Indian Hindu monk and a key figure in the introduction of some of the Indian philosophies to the Western countries.

January 12 was declared the National Youth Day in 1984 and since 1985 the event is celebrated in India every year.

The holiday is observed all over the country at schools and colleges. The celebration is accompanied with processions, speeches, music, youth conventions, seminars and various competitions.