Indian Republic day

Held on : 26th January

The Indian Republic day is celebrated on 26 January every year in all parts of India. The first Republic Day was celebrated on 26th January 1950 when Dr. Rajendra Prasad, took oath as the first President of India at the Durbar Hall in the Government House. This was followed by the Presidential drive along a five-mile route to the Irwin Stadium, where he unfurled the National Flag. 26 January thus became one of the most important day in the Indian history as it was on this day when India became a truly sovereign state and the constitution of India came into force.

History of The Indian Republic day

Although India gained independence from the British rule on 15th August 1947 but the seeds of a republican nation were sowed at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress at the midnight of 31st December 1929. The session was held under the presidency of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. Those present in the meeting took a pledge to mark January 26 as "Independence Day" in order to march towards realizing the dream of complete independence from the British. The Lahore Session paved way to the Civil Disobedience movement. It was decided that January 26, 1930 would be observed as the Purna Swaraj (complete Independence) Day. Many Indian political parties and Indian revolutionaries from all over the country united to observe the day with honour and pride.

The professed pledge was successfully redeemed on 26th January 1950, when the Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India came into force, although the Independence from the British rule was achieved on 15th August 1947. After the Constitution was written and adopted on November 1949, 26 January 1950 the following year was chosen as the day when India would finally arrive as a nation, complete with the lengthiest and the most detailed constitution in the world. Since than Republic day is celebrated all over the country. It was on 26th January 1950 that India became a nation in the true sense, with a constitution and elected representatives of the people.The country finally realized the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the numerous freedom fighters who, fought for and sacrificed their lives for the Independence of their country. So, the 26th of January was decreed a national holiday and has been recognized and celebrated as the Republic Day of India, ever since.

Modern day celebrations, to mark the importance of this occasion, include a grand parade which is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Floats exhibiting the cultures of the various states and regions of India are in the grand parade, which is broadcast nationwide on television and radio. Also part of the parade are children who win the National Bravery Award for the year.The parade also includes other vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a flypast by Indian Air Force jets. The parade and the ensuing pageantry is telecast by the National Television and is watched by millions of viewers in every corner of the country. Celebrations are also held in state capitals, where the Governor of the state unfurls the national flag. If the Governor of the state is unwell, or is unavailable for some reason, the Chief Minister of the state assumes the honour of unfurling the National Flag of India.

Holiday Status - It is National Holiday

Alternate Name - Gantantra Divas (hindi language)