Republic Day of India does not need any other identity as one of the most important and memorable days in the history of India. The nation celebrated its first Republic day on the 26th January in 1950, when the Constitution of India came into effect. India’s Republic Day therfore signifies all its struggles for independence and thereafter establishment of a self governing nation. Our Republic Day also showcases the India’s democratic values, cultural richness and unity in diversity. Therefore, Republic Day has an utmost significance in Indian history, politics and culture.
India’s Republic Day celebrations therefore is always a special event, and happens in every corner of the country. The unfurling of National Flag, National Anthem of India and several cultural programs remains the key feature of the celebration. However, the parade by the Indian Armed Forces personnel, marching along the Kartavya Path is the major attraction of Delhi’s Republic Day celebrations. The epic show on Kartavya Path eclipses everything else happening across the country on this auspicious day.
Indians has just celebrated its 75th Republic Day of India this 26th January of 2024.
Why India celebrates Republic Day: history and significance
Republic day celebration in India has equal significance to the the nation’s Independence Day celebration. India got the status of an independence country in 1947 but the conuntry men got their constitutional and democratic right much later.
The transition from an independent nation becoming a republic nation features a remarkable history. India became independent through the Indian Independence Act of 1947. It just became an independent dominion of the British Commonwealth according to an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. But George VI still remained head of the constitutional monarchy state of India, along with Earl Mountbatten as the governor-general. The country, yet to have a permanent constitution. So, the nation was only having the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935 in effect.
In order to solidify India’s independent democratic government, a permanent constitution had to come in effect as soon as possible. On 29th August 1947, a drafting committee was formed, under the chairmanship of Dr B R Ambhedkar. The committe prepared and submitted the draft constitution to the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1949. It took about 166 sessions of debate and discussions. Evetually the Constitution of India was signed off on by the 308 members of the assembly.
With the inactment of the Constitution of India, the nation became a ‘sovereign socialist secular democratic republic’. The preamble of Indian Constitution also includes the objectives like liberty, justice, fraternity, and equality. Indian citizens got the right and liberty to choose their own government. Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India as well.
Indian constituion gave the nation its democratic and constitutional rights, which came into effect on 26th January 1950. It eventually ended the 300 years bureaucratic, monarchy rule and gave the Indians their voting rights. These rights meant a lot to the common people of the nation. Hence, India celebrates Republic Day on the day with pride and dignity.
Why 26th January was chosen as Republic Day of India?
Indian National Congress proclaimed ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence on 26th January in 1930. Although, the Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949. But in order to honour the proclaimation date of ‘Poorna Swaraj’, India was officially declared as a Republic nation on 26th January in 1950.
History of First Republic Day in India
The first President of India unfurling the Indian National Flag, with a salute of 21 guns, features a remarkable history of our nation. Thereafter, 26th January became one of Republic India’s three national holidays, celebrated every year.
The 1950 Republic Day parade was held at the former Irwin Ampitheatre opposite the Delhi Red Fort, now the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. President Dr Rajendra Prasad inspected the parade. The Indonesian President Sukarno was the first Republic Day of India chief guest in 1950. More than 3,000 men of the Indian Armed Forces had participated in India’s first Republic Day parade.
How India celebrates Republic Day?
The President of India addresses the nation on the Republic Day eve, which begins the celebration. Although every institution in India remains closed on the Republic Day, but hardly misses takes part in the celebrations. Delhi’s Republic Day celebration in front the President of India, is however the largest among the all. All Indian states and Union territories also celebrate the day in presense of the Governors and Lieutenant Governors.
The President of India hoists the Indian National Flag every year, to begin the celebration. Several cultural troops executes eye catching performances to represent various heritage culutures of India. The bands of Indian Armed forces also carry out parades at Kartavya Path in New Delhi and showcase their strengths.
New Delhi’s Republic Day celebrations officially close with the Beating Retreat Ceremony on 29th January. The respective bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, all perform during the closing ceremony of India’s Republic Day.
Celebration of 75th Republic Day of India
India recently celebrated its 75th Republic Day in grand fashion on 26th January of 2024 at New Delhi. Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the honorable President of India, hosted the celebration. The president of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, was present as the Chief guest of this 75th Republic Day celebration of India.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) was presented to children, for demonstrting exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements. The 75th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path was women-centric. ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ had been the main themes.
