Republic Day honors the day on which the Indian Constitution came into existence on January 26, 1950, replacing the British Regime’s offer of Dominion status.
The Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, and on January 26, 1950, the country’s transition to an independent republic was completed with the establishment of a legal system of governance. The Indian National Congress announced the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) on January 26, 1930, instead of accepting the Dominion status that the British Regime had offered. This is why January 26 was chosen as the Republic Day.
Why was January 26th opted for to be Republic Day?
The Indian National Congress, which rejected the British Regime’s offer of Dominating status, issued the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) on this day in 1929, which is why January 26 was chosen.
History behind Republic Day Celebration:
India retained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, as a result of the Indian Independence Movement. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 officially declared India’s independence. It was an Act of the British Parliament that divided British India into two sovereign Dominions within the British Commonwealth, which subsequently evolved into the Commonwealth of Nations. India did not have a permanent constitution, so its laws were based on the Government of India Act 1935, a modified colonial act. However, on August 29, 1947, a resolution was moved to establish a committee to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr. B R Ambedkar as its chairman.
A draft constitution was formed and presented to the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1947. Following a few adjustments and discussions, a group of 308 people signed the two copies in Hindi and English on January 24, 1950. Two days later, on January 26, 1950, it became operative nationwide. The Indian Union elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad to the position of President. The Constituent Assembly became the Indian Parliament as a result of certain transitional provisions in the new Constitution, and today, January 26, is observed as Republic Day in India.
Table of Contents
India’s Republic Day celebrations:
- On this day, the Republic Day Parade is the main event. Attendees of the parade at Rajpath in Delhi. Delhiites assemble in large numbers to see the breathtaking spectacle despite the bitter cold.
- The Indian President raises the National Flag and bestows bravery awards, such as the Children’s National Bravery Award, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Paramvir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, on India’s courageous citizens.
- Honoring the courageous people who gave their lives in battle is something the Indian Prime Minister does. At Delhi’s India Gate, he honors the martyred soldiers by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti.
- The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are the three divisions of the Indian Armed Forces that lead the Republic Day Parade. In addition, there are a number of cultural representations, military bands, air shows, soldier rallies, and vehicle displays of incredible bravery and skill.
- Although this is a holiday for Indian schools, students still attend to celebrate this national holiday by raising the flag, doing skits and dances, and eating sweets.
Republic Day Parade:
India celebrates Republic Day with great fervor and enthusiasm. The Ministry of Defense has responsibility for organizing New Delhi’s well-known Republic Day Parade. From the RashtrapatiBhavan gates, Raisina Hill on the Rajpath, to India Gate, the Parade started. Republic Day is celebrated for three days, with the parade serving as the main event. The purpose of the parade is to honor the courageous martyrs who gave their lives in defense of our nation.
The Indian Prime Minister honors all military personnel who have sacrificed their lives to defend our nation on this day by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and firing a 21-gun salute. The national anthem Is sung as the national flag is unfurled following the tribute. Following the Flag Hosting Award Distribution Ceremony, winners of the Bravery Award are presented to the Paramvir, Ashok, and Vir Chakras.
The parade begins with the bravery award winners saluting our President in open military jeeps. A display of different tanks, missiles, and other military hardware follows. Following this, a march past is conducted by various military units, law enforcement agencies, Home Guards, and the National Cadet Corps. Cultural dance and various state performances continue the parade the next day.
Youngsters who have received National Bravery Awards are given a ride on an elephant that is brightly decorated. The Indian Council for Child Welfare bestows awards known as the National Bravery Award on children who exhibit extraordinary bravery and selflessness in their deeds.
On the eve of Republic Day celebrations, DroupadiMurmu, the President of India, will deliver a fantastic speech to the populace.
The Beating Retreat Ceremony
Every year on January 29, the Beating Retreat Ceremony is held at Vijay Chowk to cap off the four days of Republic Day festivities. The three military wing bands—the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force—perform the ceremony. The President of India is the main guest of this event, and he is escorted by the PBG, a cavalry unit. The PBG commander requests that the unit perform the national anthem by the Army after the president arrives.
2024’s Republic Day Chief Guest
During Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, India has been honoring the head of state or government of another nation as a chief guest since 1950.
At Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s request, French President H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron will be traveling to India as the 75th Republic Day celebrations’ Chief Guest. On January 26, 2024, the President will take part in Republic Day celebrations in India.
FAQ:
Why is India called republic?
India is called a republic because it has a system of government in which the people elect their leaders, and the country is governed by a constitution. https://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india/
