Republic Day is a very important day in Indian history. The Republic Day parade in New Delhi is a wonderful event held every year. Read about the grand parade in New Delhi which includes a March Past by the Indian Armed Forces along with spectacular displays from each State which showcases the cultural diversity of the country.

Republic Day of India is celebrated every year on the 26th of January. It is a very important day in history for India as this is the day India became a republic after being under the British rule. It was on the 26th of January, 1950 that the Constitution of India came into force. This day has great national significance and is one of the three national holidays in India.

History

Although India had won independence in August 1947, there was not yet a permanent constitution. A draft committee was set up to draft a new Constitution. It was on the 26th January of 1950 that the Constitution of India came into effect.

Celebrations of Republic Day in India

Republic Day is celebrated with great pomp and splendour particularly in New Delhi, which is the capital of India.

A grand parade is held here in the capital starting from the Raisana Hill which is near the Rashtrapati Bhavan and goes up to the famous Red Fort.

Before the commencement of the parade, the Prime Minister first pays homage to the unknown and immortal soldiers by laying a flower wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti which is also known as the 'Tomb of the Unknown soldier'. Two minutes of silence is observed in memory of these unknown soldiers.

The Prime Minister then proceeds to the main dais at Rajpath, where he is joined by the President of India and the Chief Guest.

Here he hoists the National Flag. With the national anthem being played along, a 21 gun salute is given.

The Ashok Chakra awards and other important awards are then given to the recipients from the hands of the President.

Following this, the different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force which together form the Indian Armed Forces start their march past. It is considered a great honour to lead this parade and normally it is a person of very high ranking from the Indian Army who leads the parade.

This march past is indeed a wonderful show with the Armed Forces marching along in all their finery and official decorations.

Also part of this parade, is a march past by the best N.C.C cadets selected from all over the country, school children from various schools in the capital and children who are recipients of the National Bravery Award for the year. There is a great amount of practice put in and every minor detail is taken care of like the uniforms, the essential props for the drills. Everything is done to perfection as this is an event of great national significance and pride.

Folk dances by members from each state, and spectacular display of moving objects representing each of the states is exhibited in the parade. The cultures of the various regions of India are exhibited in the grand parade. Each display brings out the richness and diversity of the culture of India.

At the end of the parade there is a flypast by the Indian Air Force. Jet planes flying leave a streak of coloured smoke trailing behind and this display marks the end of the parade.

All this is telecast on national television and millions of viewers watch these celebrations from the various corners of the country.

Celebrations are also held in State Capitals and other headquarters which are of patriotic significance. In the State Capitals, the governor of the State unfurls the national flag.

The patriotism of the people brings together one and all of this diverse country.

On this day, you will see a large number of citizens across the country proudly displaying the national flag. Some people pin a small paper flag near the shoulder while some others have the tricolour on their cars and homes. Many schools, residential societies and buildings across the country celebrate Republic Day with a flag hoisting ceremony.

Chief Guest

On this day India invites the head of another State or country as the Chief Guest for the grand ceremony at New Delhi. As of today, the eminent dignitaries to have graced the occasion include distinguished Prime Ministers, Presidents or the monarch of various countries.

Have you ever watched the Republic Day ceremony in New Delhi, in India? Do you have any fond memories of celebrating this festival? To share your views and experiences, click here.