Indian Republic Day is a national festival of India that commemorates the enactment of the Constitution of India, which occurred on January 26, 1950. It is celebrated annually on 26th January and marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect, making India a sovereign republic. While India gained independence from the British in 1947, but it wasn’t until 26 January 1950 that the Indian Constitution came into effect and India became a sovereign state, declaring it a republic. This day is celebrated with much pomp and fervour all over India, and in India’s capital Delhi, parades, tableaus and spectacular displays by the defense forces are showcased at Rajpath. The Indian flag is also hoisted all over the country.
The historical context of Republic Day of India goes back to India’s struggle for independence. Though India gained independence on 15th August 1947, it did not yet have its own constitution. Instead, its laws and governance system continued to be based on a modified version of the Government of India Act of 1935. On 29th August 1947, a resolution was moved in the Constituent Assembly for the appointment of a Drafting Committee to draft a permanent constitution of India. Accordingly, the Drafting Committee was appointed under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Committee introduced the final draft of the Constitution in the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1948.
After many deliberations and some modifications, the Draft Constitution was declared as passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949. A few provisions of the Constitution came into force on 26th November 1949 itself. However, the major part of the Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950. It was on that date that India truly became a sovereign republic.
The occasion on 26th January 1950 was marked by a salute of 21 guns and the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Thereafter, 26th January was recognized as the Republic Day of India.
26th January was specifically chosen as the ‘date of commencement’ of the Constitution because it was on this day in 1930 that Purna Swaraj Day was celebrated, following the resolution of the Lahore Session (December 1929) of the INC.
Though Indian Republic Day is celebrated across the country, the main event takes place in the national capital – New Delhi. A series of events unfold as the celebrations proceed. These events are listed below chronologically:
Pre-Parade Events
Beginning The Republic Day Celebrations begin on 23rd January (Parakram Divas or the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose). Prior to 2022, the Indian Republic Day Celebrations used to begin on 24th January. However, in the year 2022, the government changed the start date to 23rd January to include the birth anniversary of Netaji as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.
Republic Day Speech: Just one day preceding the Republic Day, the President of India addresses the nation. This address, usually known as the 26 January Republic Day Speech, outlines the nation’s achievements, challenges, and vision for the future.
Wreath-Laying at the Amar Jawan Jyoti: Early morning on Republic Day, the Prime Minister pays homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti war memorial. This marks a symbolic start to the day’s official commemorations.
The Unfurling of the National Flag: The President arrives at the Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) and unfurls the national flag. This is followed by the playing of the National Anthem a 21-Gun Salute.
The Republic Day Parade commences after the unfurling of the national flag and forms the main part of the Republic Day Celebrations. Some of the major highlights of the parade include:
– Marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces.
– Motorcycle stunts by ‘Dare Devils’
– Vibrant tableaux representing different States/UTs of India as well as departments/ministries of the government.
– Folk dance troupes from various states.
– Mesmerizing fly-past by various aircraft of the Indian Air Force conclude the parade.
Post-Parade Events
Bestowing of Padma Awards and Gallantry Awards: On the evening of the Republic Day, the President of India confers prestigious Padma Awards and Gallantry Awards to the respective awardees.
Beating Retreat Ceremony and Conclusion: The Beating Retreat Ceremony is held on 29th January and marks the conclusion of the Republic Day Celebrations.
Themes of Republic Day Celebrations 2024
The themes of the 75th Republic Day 2024 are: ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’.
These themes have been selected in line with the honorable PM Narendra Modi’s views that ‘India is truly a mother of democracy’.
These themes will be reflected in the tableaux presented by various states and government departments, showcasing India’s progress in various sectors like technology, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
Chief Guest of the Republic Day 2024
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, is the chief guest at India’s Republic Day Celebrations 2024. This is the 6th time that a French leader will be the chief guest on the Indian Republic Day.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the chief guest at the Republic Day last year.