History of Republic Day
In India 26th January is celebrated as the Republic Day. On the same day in 1950 India was declared to be a republic along with the adoption of the Constitution of India. It was a formal adoption of the Constitution of India.
Importance of Republic Day
The significant importance of the occasion of the Republic Day in India lies in the fact that it marked a process of transition for the newly born independent country of India in 1950. Though the independence of the country was gained in August 1947, there was an absence of a permanent Constitution. The laws of the new country were modified on the basis of the Government of India Act of 1935.
Drafting the Constitution
In August1947, a drafting committee was formed to lay the clauses of the permanent constitution under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar. The draft of the Constitution was prepared and submitted to the Assembly in November, 1947.
The Adoption of the Indian Constitution
There were several discussions and modifications over the draft of the Constitution by the 308 members of the Constituent Assembly. The changes were analyzed and accepted on the 24th of January, 1950. Two days later on the 26th of January, 1950 the Constitution of India formally came into effect and became the law of the India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected to be the first president of independent India.
Main Attractions of the Republic Day
Every year on the 26th of January Republic Day is celebrated in India with great fervor and enthusiasm. In New Delhi the capital of India there are elaborate celebrations on the day. The National flag is unfurled by The President of India which is followed by national anthem. Apart from the celebration at the nation’s capital there are celebrations that are held in state capitals also.
Republic Day Parade – it is the primary attraction of this special day. Republic day in India is marked by the elaborate parade. The day’s celebrations commences with the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate. This is followed by the grand parade that starts from the Rashtrapati Bhavan along the Rajpath before culminating at the Red Fort. Parade of the Armed Forces – there is a parade that is done by all the regiments of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air force. This parade is conducted along with all their official decorations. The President of India takes the salute of the parade as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
Display of weapons – The day is marked by a moment of great pride and glory for every Indian citizen when there is a display of some of the key possessions of the Defense forces. The display of the artillery weapons like tanks, missiles, fighter planes are all a mark of progress that has taken place over the years.
Cultural parades – There are participation in the parades by different groups from various states of India also. These are marked by their vibrant colors and great performances.
National Bravery Award – there are also parades of the children who have won the national bravery awards for the year.
Air show of the Indian Air force – the celebrations of the Republic Day traditionally culminates with a splendid show of the mastery of the Indian Air force over the skies above. Trained and experienced pilots of the forces present a show of valor in their airplanes to end the year’s program with pride.
Chief Guest of the Nation
Republic Day in India is marked by the presence of a head of state as the chief guest of the nation each year.
State Level Functions
Apart from the Republic day celebrations in New Delhi there are celebrations held in the cities of state capitals as well. There are parades of the state level cadres. The governor of the State hoists the flag for the ceremony and takes the salute of the parade.
Last Updated on 01/20/2012
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