Republic Day of India is celebrated on every 26th of January as it honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into force on 26January 1950 by replacing the Government of India Act which was formed on 1935 as the governing document of India since then India became a Republic State “for the people, by the people”. The Constitution of India assured the rights and duties for the people which are guaranteed through the Preamble.
On 26th January 1950, the Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constitution Assembly with a democratic government system and by this, our country became the Independent Republic.
Why 26 January was chosen for Republic Day?
The reason for choosing 26January was on this day in 1929 the declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed (Purna Swaraj) by the Indian National Congress who opposed the Dominating status which was offered by the British Regime.
The Republic Day celebration on 26 January 1950
History
On 15th August 1947, India got Independence from the British Rule by following the Indian Independence Movement. The Independence of India came out through the Indian Independence Act 1947. It is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which partitioned British India into two independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth later it became the Commonwealth of Nations. Though India did not have a permanent constitution and hence its laws were based on the modified colonial Act – Government of India Act 1935 and after that on 29th August 1947, a resolution was moved for appointing a drafting committee to draft a permanent constitution with the chairman Dr. B R Ambedkar.
On 4th November 1947, a draft constitution was prepared and submitted to Constituent Assembly. On 24th January 1950, after some modifications and deliberations, assembly of 308 members signed the two copies each in English and Hindi and two days later on 26th January 1950, it came into effect throughout the nation. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the office President of the Indian Union. Under some transitional provisions of the new Constitution and from that the Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India after this 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day of India.
Republic Day Chief Guest 2023-
From 1950, India has been hosting the head of state or Government of another country as a chief guest on Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.
Since COVID-19 led the cancellation of planned guests in 2021 and 2022. So, for the celebration of Republic Day 2023 India has invited the Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. The statement has been given by the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs’ news release: “The Arab Republic of Egypt’s President, H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, will attend India’s Republic Day festivities on January 26, 2023, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For the first time ever, our Republic Day will feature the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt as the chief guest.”
How Republic Day is celebrated-
Also, there will be the largest and grandest flypast of Indian Air Force featuring 75 aircrafts on this Republic Day. Visitors will get some unseen glimpse from the cockpit of fighter planes which are performing maneuvers.
The Republic Day celebration is held in the capital of India, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India. On this day at Rajpath, ceremony parades take place as a tribute to unity in diversity and the rich cultural heritage of India.
**Republic Day Parade-
The Indian Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. The famous Republic Day Parade in New Delhi is organized by the Ministry of Defence. The Parade began from the Rashtrapati Bhavan gates, Raisina Hill on Rajpath to India Gate. The parade is the main attraction of the Republic Day celebration which lasts until three days. The parade is performed to pay tribute to the brave martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for our country.
On this day the Prime Minister of India lays a wreath and tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and 21-gun salute in the memory of all members of Armed Forces who gave up their lives to save our country. After paying tribute National Flag is Unfurled with the singing of National Anthem. After the Flag hosting award distribution ceremony take places such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra which are presented bravery award winners.
Republic Day Celebrations
The parade starts with the winner of bravery awards by saluting our President in the open military jeeps which are followed by displaying various tanks, missiles, and other military equipment. After this, different regiments of the armed force, police, Home Guards and national Cadet Corps do a march past. The following parade is continued with different state performances and cultural dance.
Children who won the National Bravery Awards take a ride on a colorfully decorated elephant. The National Bravery Award is given to those children who are honored for performing outstanding deeds for bravery and selfless sacrifice and the awards are given by the Indian Council for Child Welfare.
President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind addresses the nation a wonderful speech on the evening of the Republic Day celebration. The 2020 Republic Day speech will be updated on Republic Day.
**About Beating Retreat Ceremony
The Beating Retreat Ceremony takes place every 29 January at the Vijay Chowk which marks the end of a four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military- the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The chief guest of this function is the President of India who arrives with escorted by the PBG, a cavalry unit. After the President arrives the PBG commander asks the unit to give National Salute followed by National Anthem by the Army.
Swikriti Dandotia