October 29 is the Komsomol's birthday: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on October 29, Russia celebrates the Komsomol's birthday, a memorable date dedicated to the largest youth organization in the country's history. And although the Komsomol ceased to exist along with the Soviet Union, for many Russians, memories of it remain an important part of life. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the holiday, as well as shares congratulations for former Komsomol members.

Komsomol's birthday in 2025 — history

After the revolution of 1917, the socio-political activity of young people in Russia increased significantly. Young men and women sought to participate in the life of the country, creating various associations for this purpose. However, these organizations lacked a single coordination center and a common ideological platform.

The solution was found on October 29, 1918, when the First All-Russian Congress of Unions of Workers' and Peasants' Youth decided to unite all organizations into a single structure subordinate to the Communist Party. The new organization was named the Russian Communist Youth Union (RKSM). In 1926, it was renamed the All-Union Leninist Communist Youth Union (KOMSOMOL).

The Komsomol movement quickly became one of the most massive in the Soviet Union, and its participants were nicknamed the young builders of communism. Komsomol members have many significant projects on their account: from the elimination of illiteracy among the population to the construction of power plants and highways. With the active participation of the Komsomol, rabfaks were created in the country's universities — special departments for preparing workers and peasants for admission to higher education institutions.

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During the Great Patriotic War, members of the Komsomol selflessly fought in the ranks of the Red Army. More than 3.5 million Komsomol members received orders and medals for their courage, and 7 thousand people were awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. In the post-war years, they participated in the reconstruction of destroyed cities, the development of virgin lands and the construction of large facilities, including the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM).

In the late Soviet period, the requirements for candidates to join the Komsomol became stricter. Boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 28 could become members of the organization. A prerequisite was prior participation in children's communist organizations — October detachments and pioneer squads. Those who joined the Komsomol were given a ticket and a badge. Komsomol members were also required to pay regular contributions: 2 kopecks for schoolchildren and from 10 to 50 kopecks for working youth.

In September 1991, at the XXII Extraordinary Congress of the Komsomol, the organization's self-dissolution was announced. The leadership explained this decision by exhausting the historical role of the Komsomol. The Russian Youth Union became the legal successor of the Komsomol.

Komsomol's birthday in 2025 — traditions

During the Soviet period, the anniversary of the founding of the Komsomol was celebrated on a large scale. On this day, solemn awards ceremonies were held for distinguished Komsomol members. They were awarded prizes for achievements in various fields of activity: science, technology, pedagogy, culture and production.

The Lenin Komsomol Award was considered particularly honorable, which included not only insignia, but also monetary remuneration. An important part of the celebration was the tribute to the memory of Komsomol members who died during the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars.

In modern Russia, the Komsomol's birthday continues to be celebrated, albeit in a different format. Commemorative processions are held in many cities, where participants carry banners with Komsomol slogans and sing songs from the Soviet era.

Themed concerts and exhibitions are also organized in honor of the holiday, film screenings, creative contests and quests are held. Special class hours are held in educational institutions, and memorial evenings are organized for Komsomol veterans. Special attention is paid to working with the younger generation. In special lessons, students are taught about the history of the Komsomol and its role in the development of the country.

Congratulations on Komsomol Day in 2025

On the Komsomol's birthday, it would be appropriate to congratulate those who participated in this movement, as well as members of modern youth organizations. We wish them success, inspiration, good health and reliable companions. Here are some examples of congratulations:

"Dear Komsomol members! On this day, we sincerely wish that your energy and faith in the best will always be with you. Your youth is a story of great construction projects, labor victories and true friendship. May Komsomol enthusiasm and optimism continue to warm your hearts, and the wisdom accumulated over the years help you move forward. Good health, good spirits and warm communication with your friends!"

"Happy Komsomol birthday! May the light of those years live in your memory — the romance of achievements, the warmth of strong friendship and pride in the common cause. You are a generation whose youth has become a part of the country's history. We wish that your life experience and indomitable will always serve as a support for your loved ones. Stay active, let your energy inspire the youth!"

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on Komsomol Day! Your biography is a chronicle of an era of great hopes and achievements. Thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm and perseverance. We wish you good health, warmth of soul and that the flame of that sincere faith in goodness and justice never fades in your hearts!"

"Congratulations on the Youth Day, which unites generations, on Komsomol Day!. Your work is an example of selfless service to the Motherland, true friendship and responsibility. I wish you well-being, inexhaustible energy and joy from the consciousness of an honestly traveled path. May your families take care of you, and may the glorious traditions of mutual assistance continue to live on!"

"Happy Komsomol Day! This holiday is a symbol of youth, filled with the romance of big things and faith in a bright future. I wish you spiritual harmony, good health and long years of active life. May your rich experience and optimism be a reliable support for children and grandchildren!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Grandparents' Day in Russia.