Republic Day, the national festival of India is celebrated every year on January 26th that honours a significant day in India’s history. Republic Day of India is one of the most significant day in the history of India. The Constitution of India came into effect on this day in 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act (1935) and transformed India into a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. This day is a national holiday and celebrated with great pride, patriotism and enthusiasm across the country.
What is Republic Meaning?
In a republic, laws are made by representatives chosen by the people and must comply with the constitution protecting rights of its citizens. The Representatives elected by people are accountable to people. The power of government lies in the people.
Historical Significance of Republic Day Of India
- Adoption of the Constitution:
- In December 1929 at the bank of River Ravi in a congress session at Lahore chaired by J.L.Nehru , “Puran Swaraj” was demanded by the Indian National Congress. It was announced that last Sunday of next month will be celebrated as the first Independance Day after the declaration of Complete Independance from colonial rule.
- From 1930 to 1949, every year 26th January was celebrated as Independence Day of India.
- Making of our constitution by our constituent assembly completed on November 26, 1949. Because of the historical significance of 26 January our leaders decided to celebrate 26 January. So on 26th November our constitution was adopted and it came into effect on January 26, 1950 and the country became a sovereign state.
- January 26 is chosen to honor the “Puran Swaraj” resolution of 1930.
- Transition to Republic:
- Republic Day is dedicated to India’s transition to a republic which promises justice, equality and liberty for all of the country’s citizens.
Republic Day Celebrations in India
On this day the national flag is unfurled by the President of the country which is followed by republic Day celebrations. Public can experience events including The Grand Parade, Awards and Honors, Chief Guest Tradition and Beating Retreat Ceremony.
The Grand Parade:
- The main celebration takes place at Kartavaya Path formerly known as Rajpath in New Delhi, showcasing India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and technological advancements.
- Every year millions of Indians witness the rich tradition, cultural heritage, spectacle of nation’s progress, its achievements and air shows by our armed forces Indian army, Navy and Indian Air Force.
- The show is telecasted live on television also.
- In the parade tableaux from various states, performances by school children, and a display of military equipment.
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Chief Guest Tradition:
- In honor of India’s diplomatic relations, a foreign dignitary is invited annually as the Chief Guest.
- This year Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be our Chief Guest for Republic Day.
- It will strengthen diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia.
Awards and Honors:
- Prestigious awards such as Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree) and Gallantry Awards are distributed to honor exceptional contributions and bravery.
Beating Retreat Ceremony:
- Held on January 29th, this ceremony marks the end of week-long(January 23 to January 29) Republic Day celebrations with mesmerizing performances by military bands.
- Beating Retreat is a centuries old military tradition. In this tradition battle were stopped at time of sunset.
Significance of Republic Day
Significance of republic day is multidimensional as it celebrates democracy, unity in Diversity and it remembers the personalities who played a crucial role in making of our nation.
Celebrating Democracy
Republic Day signifies the power of the people to choose their government and uphold democratic principles. Republic day reflects India’s commitment to democratic ideals such as liberty, equality and justice.
Unity in Diversity
The celebrations celebrate the diversity of India. It promotes unity in diversity highlighting India’s cultural richness and diversity, bringing together people from all fields of life.
Remembering the Makers
Republic day is a tribute to the leaders, freedom fighters and visionaries who shaped the nation’s democratic framework and made India a republic.
10 Interesting Facts About Republic Day of India
Here are given 10 facts about Republic Day of India that are interesting to know:
1. Celebrating a Historic Occasion
Every year on January 26th, India celebrates its Republic Day to honor the day when the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. The “Purna Swaraj” (Complete Independence) declaration made by the Indian National Congress back in 1930 makes this date even more significant. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first president to unfurl the flag on Republic Day.
2. The First Parade
The Republic Day parade started first in New Delhi at the Irwin Amphi theater which is today known as Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. This occasion marked the beginning of the annual tradition of celebrating India’s military power and heritage of culture.
3. Rajpath as the Main Attraction
In New Delhi, the President of India hoists the national flag during the main parade along the Kartavya Path. During the parade, India’s military power, culture, and technological innovation are exhibited through an array of military vehicles, cultural performances, and technological developments. The parade starts from Rasina Hill and covers a distance of over eight kilometers.
4. Greeting Global Leaders
Every year, India invites a foreign leader to be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations. This practice represents India’s commitment to strengthening international relations. The invitation has occasionally been canceled or denied.
5. Acknowledging Excellence
Republic Day is also a day of honor with honors like the Padma and Gallantry Awards given to people who have shown great bravery or made significant contributions to the country.
6. Beating Retreat in the Grand Finale
The Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29th marks the end of the Republic Day festivities. Patriotic songs are played by military bands, officially concluding the celebrations in a majestic and memorable way.
7. Unity in Diversity
The Republic Day parade is an amazing art of culture. Many states and union territories put up colorful tableaux that demonstrate the unity in diversity that India possesses. Every tableau pays tribute to the unique timeline of customs, festivals and events by portraying specific aspects of the great civilization.
8. The National Anthem’s Renderings
As ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is played, the Republic Day celebrations become even more lively. Since 1950, this event has strengthened national pride with its powerful anthems composed in honor of India’s democracy as first established in this nation, it can be credited with uniting the country during both the harshest and best of times.
9. Increased Security for the Special Event
Due to the nature of the Republic Day events and its prominent guests, much attention is put towards security. An extensive security detailed together with state of the art surveillance technology are put to use in full force to ensure the safety of all participating and observing the event.
10. Nationwide sense of Patriotism
Republic Day is a significant date in the calendar and a fully realized public holiday, so it is celebrated everywhere with great enthusiasm. Manner such as flag hoisting across communities, schools, and colleges celebrates this day with parades and other cultural activities portraying citizenship virtues.
Also Read: Fairs and festivals in India
