Republic Day
माघ कृष्ण चतुर्दशी
Republic day is celebrated on 26th January in India to commemorate the day when Indian constitution came into force on this day in 1950. It was on this day that India became a sovereign, secular and democratic state. This day is declared as a National holiday to mark the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on the 26th of January and is celebrated with great vigour and grandeur across the country.
got independence on 15 August 1947, after which the process of preparing a constitution was started. The Constitution was passed on 26 November 1949 in the Constituent Assembly. It was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, when the country became a republic in true sense. 26 January was selected, because it was this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was passed. It is one of the three national holidays in India.
Republic day is celebrated with great patriotic spirit in India. On this day a grand parade in held in the national capital New Delhi. The event begins with the prime minister laying the wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay his respect to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the protection of the sovereignty of India. This is followed by a 21 gun salute after which the president unfurls the National Flag. Following the unfurling the National Anthem is played. A foreign head of state is the president’s chief guest on Republic Day. Parade begins with winners of gallantry awards passing the President in open jeeps.
President of India takes the salute at the grand parade. The Indian military also showcases its latest acquisitions like tanks, missiles, radars, etc. On this day gallantry awards like Param Veer Chakra, Veer Chakra and Maha Veer Chakra are given to the people from the armed forces and also civilians are given award for their acts of bravery. The different regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery. Even NCC cadets selected from all over India take part in this parade. Following the military parade is the cultural parade which showcases the rich cultural diversity of the nation. The parade is then followed by a vibrant and colourful parade of regional tableaus. Cultural and folk dances also form the part of the parade. The event ends with a flypast by the Indian air force jets.
Republic day Celebrations are also held in all the states where the governor of the state unfurls the flag. Many cultural programmes are held on this day
Since 1950, India has been inviting head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honor for Republic Day celebrations and parade in New Delhi. Selecting the Chief guest for the Republic Day has more than mere ceremonial reasons. The choice of chief guest every year is dictated by a number of reasons such as strategic and diplomatic, business interest and international geo-politics. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan being considered as chief guest for the 2017 Republic Day celebrations.
