Introduction
26 January is the Republic Day of India, a national holiday that marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. On this day, a grand parade is held in the capital city of New Delhi, which is attended by dignitaries from all over the world, as well as the general public. The parade features a display of India’s cultural and military heritage, and the chief guest, who is typically a head of state or government from a foreign country, is also present. The President of India also gives a speech during the parade and there is also a display of floats representing different states of India.
How Republic Day Of India Is Celebrated?
India celebrates Republic Day with immense joy and satisfaction. It’s a day set aside to honour India’s sovereign Constitution. It is common practise for schools and institutions to fly the national flag. Nationwide cultural activities are held to support India’s fight for independence. At India Gate in New Delhi, the Indian President raises the national flag. The most glorious parades are held on Rajpath in New Delhi. The Ministry of Defence organised the parade, which was led by the Indian President. The event not only showcases India’s military capability but also its rich cultural diversity. The day also commemorates the martyrs who gave their lives in defence of the nation. In order to honour the martyrs, the Indian Prime Minister places a ringlet at the India Gate, Amar Jawan Jyoti. The national anthem, a 21-gun salute, and the raising of the flag come next. Awards such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra are given to the valiant soldiers. Awards are given to people of all ages who have shown bravery in the face of difficulty.
In military jeeps, the recipients of the heroism medals greet the president. India then shows off its military prowess after that. The National Cadet Corps, the police, and the armed forces also do a march-past while the President of India is saluted by various regiments. The Indian Air Force fighter planes flypast Janpath to end the parade. Although the holiday is observed across the nation, Delhi, the nation’s capital, has the biggest Republic Day events. Every year, millions of individuals who want to watch the Republic Day Parade online can access a live webcast of the parade. The exclusive video is made available as “video on demand” after the event. All state capitals also hold celebrations where the state governor raises the flag, albeit on a much lower scale. The same celebrations are also held in talukas, subdivisions, and panchayats as well as at district headquarters.
After the festivities are over, the Beating The Retreat ceremony marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations. From June 26 to June 29, all significant government buildings are lavishly decorated with sparkling lights. The ritual to beat the retreat is held on the evening of January 29, which is the third day after Republic Day. The Drummer’s Call, a solo performance by the drummers, is also performed. Saare Jahan Se Achcha, a well-known military anthem, is played as the bands march back. The National Anthem is sung and the National Flag is lowered at precisely 6 o’clock, officially ending the Republic Day festivities.
Why was 26 January Selected As Republic Day of India?
One of India’s most significant national holidays is Republic Day. Every year, it is observed with much enthusiasm.
“Why January 26th?”—We never ask this question.
Republic Day of India is celebrated on January 26th because on this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, and thus, India became a republic. The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and was given official effect on 26 January 1950, making the day a national holiday.
The day is celebrated to commemorate this significant event in India’s history and the adoption of the Constitution, which laid the foundation for the governance and democracy of modern India.
History of Republic Day Of India
The history of Republic Day in India dates back to the 1940s when the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, was demanding independence from British colonial rule. After years of non-violent protests and civil disobedience, India was finally granted independence on August 15th, 1947.
However, the newly independent India did not have a proper Constitution or a defined system of governance. The Constituent Assembly was established to draft a Constitution for India, which was adopted on November 26th, 1949. The Constitution came into effect on January 26th, 1950, making India a republic and replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India.
Since then, January 26th is celebrated as Republic Day in India, with a grand parade held in the capital city of New Delhi, which is attended by dignitaries from all over the world, as well as the general public. The parade features a display of India’s cultural and military heritage, and the President of India also gives a speech during the parade. 
The day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of India as a republic.
Who Is The Father Of the Indian Constitution?
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is widely considered the “Father of the Indian Constitution”. He was the chairman of the drafting committee and the primary architect of the Indian Constitution.
Ambedkar was a jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer, and they played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution. He was appointed as the chairman of the drafting committee in 1947 and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Constitution reflected the aspirations and rights of all sections of Indian society, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged. He and his team of members of the drafting committee worked for 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the constitution.
Dr. Ambedkar’s vision and tireless efforts played a pivotal role in the creation of the Indian Constitution, which is considered one of the most progressive and inclusive constitutions in the world. He is respected for his contributions and for his role in shaping the democratic and secular foundations of modern India.
Award Distribution On Republic Day Of India
Every year on Republic Day, the President of India acknowledges and pays tribute to the courageous members of the armed forces and police for their remarkable bravery in the line of duty. Additionally, awards are given to citizens who have displayed bravery in various circumstances. Awards are given in eight different categories to recognise the winners’ efforts and bravery in their respective industries. Let’s learn more about these honours and the names of some deserving recipients this year.
These awards are given to individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have brought laurels to the country. The award ceremony is held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the President of India distributes the awards in the presence of other dignitaries.
- The Presidential Police Medals: The awards were once known as the President’s Police and Fire Service Medal when they were first established on 1 March 1951. Regardless of rank or length of service, the medals may be given to any police officer. The country’s law enforcement officials are recognised by the President with three police medals for meritorious service, outstanding service, and bravery. A monthly stipend is awarded to those who receive the medal; it is paid to them even in retirement, and it is continued to be paid to the recipient’s surviving spouse after their passing.
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: This honour is granted to young people under the age of 18 who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, academic excellence, or excellent contribution in the areas of social service, the arts and humanities, bravery, or sports.
- Padma Awards: India individuals who have made outstanding contributions in a variety of sectors, including education, the arts, literature, science, acting, social work, and public affairs are recognised with the Padma Awards, which were established in 1954.
The awards are divided into three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, depending on the level of achievement. - Correctional Services Medal: The President awards prison personnel under three categories – “Distinguished Service”, “Meritorious Service”, and “Gallantry Medals” for their duties in the country’s correctional facilities.
- Gallantry Awards: Six awards, including the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration in India, the Mahavir Chakra, the second-highest military decoration, the Vir Chakra, the third-highest military decoration in India, the Ashoka Chakra, the highest military decoration in India during peacetime, the Kirti Chakra, and the Chaurya Chakra, are given by the President to the nation’s military personnel in recognition of their bravery and gallantry.
- The President’s Fire Medals: The fire department receives the President’s Fire Medals, which are given out similarly to the President’s Police Medals.
- Civil Defense & Home Guards Medals: Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal are awarded for Meritorious Service.
- Jeevan Raksha Padak:This honour is granted to someone who saved the life of another. The honour is given to citizens who save lives from fire, drowning, or other tragedies. It is given for having the fortitude and quick thinking to save a life even when doing so would severely harm the rescuer’s body. Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, and Jeevan Raksha Padak are the other divisions.
Some Unknown Facts About Republic Day Of India
- The first Republic Day parade in 1950 was held at Rajpath, a newly constructed road at that time.
- The national flag was unfurled for the first time on Republic Day in 1950 by the last Governor-General of India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari.
- The first chief guest of the Republic Day parade was the President of Indonesia, Sukarno.
- The first Republic Day parade in 1950 was relatively short and lasted for just one hour.
- The famous “Beating Retreat” ceremony, which marks the end of Republic Day celebrations, was first held in 1958.
- India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag on the first republic day in 1950.
- In the Republic Day parade of 1965, a float representing the different states of India was first introduced.
- The first time the parade was canceled due to bad weather was in 1986, and the second time was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The first time a foreign chief guest was invited to the parade was in 1950, when the President of Indonesia, Sukarno was the chief guest.
- The first time an Indian President took the salute on the Republic Day parade was in 1952 when Rajendra Prasad became the President of India.
Also Read : Republic Day 2023 | All You Need To Know
In conclusion, Republic Day of India is a day of enormous significance and national pride. It is a day set aside to honour the nation’s accomplishments and the sacrifices made by our country’s freedom warriors. It’s a day to honour the diversity and harmony that make up our nation and to reaffirm our dedication to constructing a stronger, wealthier, and more inclusive India.