New Delhi, Jan 25: India's Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th each year. It marks the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, officially declaring the country a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. On this day, India transitioned from being a constitutional monarchy to a republic with its own constitution.
The celebration takes place in the capital, New Delhi, at Rajpath, where a grand parade is held. The President of India takes the salute from the military and paramilitary forces, showcasing India's diverse cultural heritage and military prowess. The parade includes displays of military hardware, cultural performances, and tableaux representing different states and union territories of India.
Highlights of Republic Day:
The highlight of the Republic Day parade is the guest of honor, often a head of state or government from a friendly country. This tradition emphasizes India's commitment to international cooperation and friendship.
Apart from the official celebrations in the capital, Republic Day is observed throughout the country at various levels, including state capitals and local communities. Schools, colleges, and government offices organize cultural programs, flag hoisting ceremonies, and patriotic events to commemorate the occasion.
Theme:
The "Together We Soar - Celebrating India on its 75th Republic Day" theme suggests a special emphasis on India's 75th Republic Day, possibly incorporating events and programs that highlight the country's achievements and progress over the years.
Celebration:
Republic Day in India is marked by flag hoisting ceremonies and parades held across the nation, with the most prominent taking place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This grand event, presided over by the President of India, features a multi-hued display of the country's cultural heritage and military strength.
The prestigious Republic Day Parade, held at Kartavya Path, is a tribute to the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The parade not only honors martyrs but also recognizes bravery by presenting awards to military personnel, civilians, and children who displayed courage in challenging situations.
A spectacular march down Kartavya Path unfolds, showcasing India's indigenous military prowess, cultural diversity, and the strength of Nari Shakti. The parade serves as a salute to the legends who have contributed to the country's progress.
Beating Retreat Ceremony:
The Beating Retreat Ceremony, held at Vijay Chowk on January 29, concludes the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. The President, arriving with the 'President's Bodyguards,' witnesses the event.
The ceremony includes the National Salute, the playing of the Indian National Anthem, and the unfurling of the National Flag. Military bands, pipes and drums bands, buglers, and trumpeters from various army regiments, navy, and air force perform. 'Beating Retreat' is a symbol of national pride, tracing its origin to the 1950s, and signifies the end of a day's battle with the sheathing of arms and withdrawal from the battlefield. The event evokes nostalgia for the past, celebrating a centuries-old military tradition. The grandest celebrations culminate in New Delhi, where the flag hoisting and parade showcase India's rich cultural heritage and military strength.
On this historic day, India officially adopted the Constitution, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document. The significance of this event lies in the fact that it marked India's transition from a constitutional monarchy to a sovereign democratic republic.
Why do we celebrate Republic Day on Jan 26?
Here are the key reasons why Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th:
Adoption of the Constitution: The Constituent Assembly of India, which had been working on drafting the Constitution since 1946, formally adopted the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of the Republic of India on this day.
Declaration of India as a Republic: January 26, 1950, was the day when India declared itself a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The adoption of the Constitution laid the foundation for the principles that would govern the nation.
Break from British Rule: The date, January 26, was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the "Purna Swaraj" (complete independence) declaration made by the Indian National Congress in 1930. This declaration was a significant step in the struggle for India's independence from British rule.
Symbol of National Pride: Republic Day is a symbol of national pride and is celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm across the country. The day is marked by patriotic fervor, with the main events taking place in the capital, New Delhi, including the grand parade and the hoisting of the national flag.
