<span style="color: #222222;">The 76th Accession Day of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India is being celebrated today across the Union Territory. AIR Jammu Correspondent reports that Accession Day carries great significance as it was on this day in 1947 that the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to become part of the greatest democracy of the world. Several functions are being organized to mark the day. Accession Day is a public holiday in the Union Territory. The day became an official public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in 2020 after the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A on 5th August 2019.<br />''<br />''However, the LG administration has issued order to all government offices and educational institutions to celebrate the accession day in a befitting manner. The Instrument of Accession is a legal document executed by Maharaja Hari Singh, ruler of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, on 26th October 1947. By executing this document under the provisions of the Indian Independence Act, of 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh agreed to accede to the Dominion of India. Maharaja Hari Singh, sought the help of the Indian Armed Forces after an invasion from the Army men and tribesmen of Pakistan. The Indian Government extended its help on condition of accession of the state to the Dominion of India.</span><br />