Republic Day in India
Many people throughout
India celebrate the nation's Republic Day, which is a gazetted holiday on
January 26 each year. It is a day to remember when India's constitution came
into force on January 26, 1950, completing the country's transition toward
becoming an independent republic.
What do people do?
Much
effort is put towards organizing events and celebrations that occur on Republic
Day in India. Large military parades are held in New Delhi and the state
capitals. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and
traditional dance troupes take part in the parades.
A grand parade is held
in New Delhi and the event starts with India's prime minister laying a wreath
at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, to remember soldiers who sacrificed
their lives for their country. India's president takes the military salute
during the parade in New Delhi while state governors take the military salutes
in state capitals. A foreign head of state is the president's chief guest on
Republic Day.
Awards and medals of
bravery are given to the people from the armed forces and also to
civilians. Helicopters from the armed forces then fly past the parade area
showering rose petals on the audience. School children also participate in the
parade by dancing and singing patriotic songs. Armed Forces personnel also showcase
motorcycle rides. The parade concludes with a "fly past" by the
Indian Air Force, which involves fighter planes of flying past the dais,
symbolically saluting the president. These leave trails of smoke in the colors
of the Indian flag.
There are many national
and local cultural programs focusing on the history and culture of India.
Children have a special place in these programs. Many children receive gifts of
sweets or small toys. A prime minister's rally also takes place around this
time of the year, as well as the Lok Tarang – National Folk Dance Festival,
which occurs annually from January 24-29.
Public life - businesses and
organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Republic Day is a
gazetted holiday in India on January 26 each year. National, state and local
government offices, post offices and banks are closed on this date. Stores and
other.
Public transport is
usually unaffected as many locals travel for celebrations. Republic Day parades
cause significant disruption to traffic and there may be increased security on
this date, particularly in areas such as New Delhi and state capitals.
Background - India became independent of the United
Kingdom on August 15, 1947. India did not have a permanent constitution at this
time. The drafting committee presented the constitution's first draft to the
national assembly on November 4, 1947. The national assembly signed the final
English and Hindi language versions of the constitution on January 24, 1950.
India's constitution
came into effect on Republic Day, January 26, 1950. This date was chosen
as it was the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day, which was held onJanuary 26, 1930.The
constitution gave India's citizens the power to govern themselves by choosing
their own government. Dr Rajendra Prasad took oath as India's first president
at the Durbar Hall in the Government House, followed by a residential drive
along a route to the Irwin Stadium, where he unfurled India's national flag.
Ever since the historic day, January 26 is celebrated with festivities and
patriotic fervor across India.