If we go with the literal meaning of the word, "Republic"; it is a state in which supreme power is held by the people and the elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch. India is the world's largest democracy that celebrates Republic Day on 26th January every year; religiously. The Constitution of India, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, came into effect on January 26, 1950. So, 1950 was the year; which witnessed the enforcement of the Indian Constitution on 26th January. Indians will be celebrating their 74th Republic Day on 26th January 2023.
The President of India initiates the 1-day long national program by hoisting the National Flag along with our National Anthem, through a grand 21-gun salute at the Rajpath, Delhi. Further, various programs and parades are performed in the presence of Dignitaries and Bravery Awards are distributed for exceptional contributions.
Every year, Republic Day is celebrated all over India on January 26th with lots of grandeur. Spectacular parades take place at Janpath, New Delhi, encompassing Indian National Army and the national flag hoisting across the country. This year, India will celebrate its 74th Republic Day.
Republic day is observed with incredible energy and great enthusiasm all across the country. India was under British rule for over 200 years. After a very long freedom struggle, India became independent from British Raj on August 14, 1947. After that, the Constitution came into effect on January 26th, 1950.
Why Is The Republic Day Celebrated On January 26?
January 26th was chosen as the date because on this day the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. The Indian National Congress announced Purna Swaraj, the declaration of India's freedom from colonial rule. The nation got independence from British rule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who was chairman of the constitution drafting committee drafted a new constitution.
The new constitution gave citizens the power to choose their own government and enjoy all their rights. After that, history was made as Dr. Rajendra Prasad got elected as the first President of India. He took oath in the Government House at the Durbar Hall and unfurled the national flag. Ever since 26th January is celebrated with festivities and patriotism across the country.
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How the Republic Day is Celebrated?
On the Indian Republic Day, great parades of the Indian Armed Forces, and flag hoisting ceremonies take place at great scale in Rajpath situated in New Delhi by the Government of India.
The parade is organized by the Ministry of Defence and conducted by the Indian President. It showcases the country's rich culture and heritage by forming beautiful structures and also its military prowess during the parade. One of the main events of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The parade ends with the daring motorcycle rider's stunts and flypast inducted by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath.
The Indian Constitution gives all citizens the right to equality on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, gender, etc. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the Tricolor, while on Republic day the task is fulfilled by the President of India.
Since 1950, every year government of India hosts a head of state of government of another country as the chief guest for the Republic Day event. This year, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January. This is the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt will be the Chief Guest in our Republic Day celebrations.
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