Tatar Language Day, also known as Mother Tongue Day, is observed in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, on April 26 each year. This day commemorates the birthday of Gabdulla Tuqay, a prominent Tatar poet credited with founding the modern Tatar literary language. Celebrations include a flower-laying ceremony at Tuqay's monument in Kazan, traditional poetry festivals, the Gabdulla Tuqay Award ceremony, poetry marathons, concerts, exhibitions, and public lectures. The holiday aims to highlight the importance of preserving the Tatar language, which is considered potentially endangered despite having over 5 million native speakers. Events also take place in Qirlay, the village where Tuqay lived during his early years. Tuqay's poem "İ, Tuğan tel" ("Oh My Mother Tongue!") is regarded as the unofficial hymn of the Tatar language, reflecting its cultural significance.