This year, on January 26, 2025 India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day. Preparations are going on across the country to celebrate this occasion grandly. Each and every year, Republic day is celebrated on 26th of January across all the places of the nation.
For every Indian, Republic Day is a day of celebration and day of pride. Similar to Independence Day, Republic Day also celebrated with enthusiasm and pride across the country irrespective of caste and religions. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the efforts of the Constituent Assembly of India. Republic Day celebrates India's commitment to democratic ideals like equality, liberty, justice, and brotherhood.
Significance of January 26
August 15, 1947, is the day India gained independence from British rule. January 26, 1950, is the day India implemented its own independent Constitution. It is the day India transformed into a true democratic country. For this reason, Republic day holds emotional and special significant place in the heart of every Indian.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed as a president of the Congress, during the 1929 Lahore Session of the Congress. A resolution was passed to declare January 26, 1930, as the day for gaining complete independence. It was also proclaimed as Independence Day or Purna Swaraj Din. However, the goal of complete independence of the nation was not achieved until 1947. Hence, to honor the significance of January 26, the Constitution of India was implemented on this day. Since then, every year Republic Day has been celebrated on January 26.
January 26, 1950 – Implementation of the Constitution
India implemented its own Constitution, hence it became a democratic republic. A drafting committee was appointed to create a robust Constitution for nation-building. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar became the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution on August 29, 1947. Even though on November 26, 1949, the Constitution was adopted, but it came into effect on January 26, 1950, with the establishment of a government system that oriented towards and based on the pillars of democracy. India's Constitution is a unique mixture of significant aspects from the Constitutions of countries like Russia, United States, and the Britain.
First Republic Day Celebration
India’s first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26th , 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was India’s first President. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was hoisted the national flag at Irwin Stadium in Delhi. This stadium is now renamed as Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The flag hoisting event was followed by the singing of the national anthem. The chief guests for this historic occasion were Indonesia’s President Dr. Sukarno and his wife. About 15,000 to 20,000 people witnessed this grand event of the origin of democracy in India.
How is Republic Day Celebrated?
The celebrations started with the first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad hoisting the national flag at Rajpath and it was followed by a grand parade at Rajpath. On this day, several awards like the Padma Bhushan, Ashoka Chakra, Padma Shri, and Kirti Chakra are presented to well deserved achievers.
The Parade
Every year, Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, limit less love towards the nation and pride across the country. One of the main attractions of January 26 is the parade, which begins at Rajpath and proceeds towards India Gate. The Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force showcase their strength and display India's cultural and social heritage. Along with this, various tableaux representing various states are also part of the parade on Rajpath. This tableaux represent unique and rich culture of the India and its different states.
Republic Day promotes unity in diversity and highlights India's strength as a united diverse nation. Republic Day also honors the freedom fighters and the leaders who helped India to gain independence.
