Republic Day is a Significant Moment in India's History
26th January is celebrated as Republic Day in our country. On this day in 1950, the constitution of our country was formally adopted and India became a fully sovereign state. The fundamental law of the country, the Constitution, was enacted out of the diligence and hard work of great men like Mahatma Gandhi and the numerous freedom fighters who fought and sacrificed their lives for the independence of our country. So, the 26th of January was declared a National holiday and has been recognized and celebrated as the Republic Day of India ever since.
History
After Independence, the country did not have any self-made official Constitution, instead, its laws were based on modified colonial acts. So, establishing an official constitution for our own country was the utmost task in front of the Government of India. Our constitution is the result of the hard work and struggle of the esteemed members of the Constituent Assembly under the Presidency of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Dr. Ambedkar was the Father of our Constitution. After deeply studying the various constitutions of other countries, our founding fathers framed our Constitution and it is the lengthiest constitution in the world. It reflects upon the dedication and foresight of these great men. That is how the Constitution came into being. It took two years, eleven months, and eighteen days to complete the Constitution. Though it was enacted and adopted by the constituent assembly on 26th November 1949, it came into force on 26th January, 1950.
Significance of 26th January
It is to be noted that January 26 had a great significance in India’s struggle for Swaraj. The Congress Session at Lahore on December 29, 1929, had passed a resolution declaring Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as India’s goal. It was also decided that the 26th of January should be observed all over India as Purna Swaraj Day. The complete Independence Day was for the first time celebrated on January 26th, 1930. It continued to be so observed until 1947. On achieving Independence, August 15 became our Independence Day.
January 26th, however, marked a great event in India’s struggle for freedom. It was, therefore, in the favour of all that January 26 should be selected as the Date of Commencement of the new Constitution.
Therefore, this day is celebrated as a day of national significance with great joy and pride.
How is Republic Day celebrated in India?
Indians celebrate Republic Day with great jubilation and joy all over the country. The day honours India's constitution as an independent nation. Schools and colleges hoist the national flag on Republic Day. Cultural events celebrating India's struggle for independence are organised across the country. The President of India hoists the national flag at India Gate in New Delhi. In New Delhi, the most prestigious parade takes place on Rajpath. An Indian President conducts the parade, which is coordinated by the Ministry of Defence. The event not only displays India's military prowess but also promotes its diverse culture. In addition, the event pays tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for the country. India's Prime Minister honours the martyrs by placing a ringlet at India Gate's Amar Jawan Jyoti. The ceremony continues with a 21-gun salute, national anthem, and hoisting of the national flag. As a result, the brave soldiers are presented with the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra. Children and ordinary citizens who have shown courage in difficult circumstances are also recognized with awards.
Those who receive a gallantry award salute the President in gratitude. Then, India's military prowess is on display. There is also a march-past that the armed forces, police, and National Cadet Corps take part in, during which the President of India is saluted by these regiments. When the fighter jets of the Indian Air Force fly past Janpath, the ceremony concludes. The Republic Day celebrations are held across the country, but Delhi is the centre of the largest celebration. Every year, millions of people have the opportunity to watch a live Webcast of the Republic Day Parade. 'Video on demand' is made available after the event as a way to view the exclusive footage. The flag is also unfurled in the state capitals, though on a smaller scale, where the Governor unfurls the flag. At district headquarters, subdivisions, talukas, and panchayats, the celebrations take place in a similar manner.
The official end to the Republic Day celebrations is Beating the Retreat, which takes place after all of the celebrations are over. From 26th to 29th, the government buildings are beautifully lit in glittering lights. On January 29, the third day after Republic Day, the beating retreat ceremony is held. During the Drummer's Call, drummers perform solo performances. The bands march back playing the popular martial tune, Saare Jahan Se Achcha. At exactly 6 p.m., the National Flag is lowered and the National Anthem is sung, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations.
Conclusion
Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm in India, and we should remember the long journey to freedom and the struggles of our forefathers to transform the country into a sovereign nation. It is a day for all Indians to celebrate the essence of liberty and help India accomplish its freedom fighters' dreams. In celebration of Republic Day, citizens are encouraged to display their patriotism and pride. The students pledge to live as good citizens and help make their country a happier and more peaceful one.
FAQs on Republic Day Essay
1. What is Republic Day and why is it celebrated?
In India, Republic Day is celebrated every year on January 26 to commemorate the day our Constitution took effect. When India gained independence in 1947, it did not have a permanent written constitution, and its laws were based on an updated version of the British-established Government of India Act 1935. The Drafting Committee for an Indian Constitution was formed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar after a fortnight on August 29, 1947. A celebration of Indian Independence Day is observed on the 26th of January in remembrance of the historic Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) made by the Indian National Congress in 1929.
2. What time do the Republic Day Parade celebrations begin and end?
The 4-day ceremony begins on the morning of 26th January with a wreath laying at India Gate by the Prime Minister of India in honour of those who sacrificed their lives protecting the nation.
The Republic Day Celebrations are concluded at Vijay Chowk on 29th January with a beating retreat led by the President of India. In a ceremonial fashion, the chief guest (the President) is escorted on horseback by a cavalry unit, which then performs the National Salute, followed by the National Anthem (Jan-Gan-Man).
3. Who was the first parade's chief guest? When was the first parade held?
The first republic day parade took place at Rajpath in 1950. It has been a tradition to invite the chief guest since the first Republic Day celebrations. It was requested that President Sukarno speak about Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch rule.
4. Who designed the Indian National Flag?
On the first day of Republic Day festivities, the National Flag is unfurled at 8 a.m. The National Flag was designed by freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya, who hailed from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Having undergone numerous revisions, the current state of the national flag was adopted on 22nd July, 1947.
5. Where does the parade begin, and what is the route of the Republic Day Parade?
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the starting point and India Gate is the ending point. Vijay Chowk is at the beginning of the route, which begins at Amar Jawan Jyoti, continues along Rajpath, passes India Gate, and ends at India Gate.
