Every year on 3 May, the National Film Awards are presented in India to mark which significant occasion in Indian cinema history?

Introduction / Context:
The National Film Awards are among the highest honours in Indian cinema. They are traditionally presented each year on 3 May. This date is not chosen randomly; it has a symbolic connection with the history of Indian films. The question tests whether you know that 3 May commemorates the release date of "Raja Harishchandra", widely regarded as the first full length Indian feature film.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The awards are presented on 3 May every year.
• We must identify the historical occasion that this date marks.
• Options include anniversaries and release dates of key figures and films.
• We assume standard film history as accepted in India.

Concept / Approach:
"Raja Harishchandra", directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, was released on 3 May 1913 and is considered the first full length Indian feature film. To honour this landmark in Indian cinema, 3 May was chosen as the date for presenting the National Film Awards. While Dadasaheb Phalke is indeed the father of Indian cinema and has his own award named after him, the specific reason for the 3 May date is the release of "Raja Harishchandra" rather than his birth or death anniversary or the release of the sound film "Alam Ara".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that 3 May is important in Indian film history. Step 2: Connect this date with the release of "Raja Harishchandra" in 1913. Step 3: Understand that National Film Awards use this date to honour the beginnings of Indian cinema. Step 4: Compare the options and find "Release date of the film Raja Harishchandra". Step 5: Choose that option as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Film history books, articles on Indian cinema, and official information about the National Film Awards explain the significance of 3 May. They mention that the date was chosen because it marks the release of "Raja Harishchandra", the pioneering feature film directed by Dadasaheb Phalke. In contrast, the birth and death anniversaries of Phalke fall on different dates. The film "Alam Ara", credited as the first Indian talkie, was released on another date in 1931. Therefore, among the given options, the match with 3 May clearly points to the release of "Raja Harishchandra".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Birth anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke: His birth date is 30 April 1870, not 3 May.
Death anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke: His death date is different and not 3 May.
Release date of "Alam Ara": This film was released in 1931 on a date different from 3 May, and is famous as the first sound film, not for the National Film Awards schedule.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse "Raja Harishchandra" with "Alam Ara" because both are milestones in early Indian cinema. Another common error is to assume that any major cinema date must be linked to Dadasaheb Phalke personally rather than to his film. To avoid such confusion, remember that "Raja Harishchandra" is the first full length silent feature and "Alam Ara" is the first talkie. Link 3 May specifically with "Raja Harishchandra" and National Film Awards for precise recall.

Final Answer:
The National Film Awards are presented on 3 May to mark the release date of the film "Raja Harishchandra".