Republic Day - The day the Constitution of India came into effect
Republic Day - The day the Constitution of India came into effect
Republic
Day is celebrated every year on 26 January to commemorate the date and
moment when the Constitution of India came into effect. Although India
attained independence on August 15, 1947 but till 1949 it didn't have a
permanent constitution of its own and instead were functioning under the
laws enacted and implemented by the British. And after many amendments
the Constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949 that
came into force in a full-fledged fashion from on 26 January, 1950.
Thus, Republic Day celebration is the moment to remember the coming of
the Constitution into effect.
India celebrates its Republic Day in colourful and exciting ways. To
mark Republic Day in a memorable and significant way, every year in New
Delhi, capital of India, a grand parade is held that starts from the
Raisina Hill in the neighborhood of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan and
passes along the Rajpath thus ending at India Gate. The President, Prime
Minister and other high rank officials of India on this occasion make
their presence at Rajpath to celebrate the occasion. The President
unfolds the National flag as soon as the National Anthem is played and
also addresses the nation with Republic Day speech. Furthermore, the
Republic Day parade also includes lively displays and exhibits India's
rich and colouful culture and also brings the entire nation together.
The parade concludes with the flypast by Indian Air Force jets.
On
Republic Day, martyrs and heroes who showed courage and bravery for
country's sake without bothering their own lives is also remembered and
conferred prestigious and significant awards including Kirti Chakra and
Ashok Chakra are conferred on the event by the President. Since 1950,
for Republic Day celebrations India has been inviting guests of high
dignitaries of another country as the state guest of honour.
Not only in New Delhi, but other states also celebrate Republic Day with
great enthusiasm and in numerous innovative ways. The Republic Day 2014
will be observed on Sunday (26 January) and the public offices and
schools will remain closed to celebrate the significance of the day.
The patriotic fervor of the people is witnessed not only in the
programmes and activities but also in the inspirational Republic Day SMS
and Republic Day messages. On this day people send warm wishes about
Republic Day to their dear ones that lend a festive ambience to the
historic occasion. Short and lovely text messages are also a wonderful
way to spread the importance of the Republic Day.
The festivity of Republic Day concludes officially with the intriguing
Beating Retreat ceremony on the evening of 29th January. This
enthralling ceremony is performed by the military, the Indian Air Force,
India Navy and India Army in the Raisina Hills, New Delhi, in front of
the President of India as the Chief Guest
Republic Day Parade:
The grandeur of the Republic Day of India is visible in the grand parade that is held along Rajpath, beginning from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan and ending at India Gate.
The occasion witnesses the presence of the President, the Prime Minister and several other high-ranking officials of the country. The parade starts when the Prime Minister of India offers wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate, in memory of the martyrs of the Indian army.
The national flag is unfurled by the President of India, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. This is succeeded by the cheerful tune of the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute.
The different regiments of Navy, Army and Air Force display their might along the Rajpath, saluting the President. The Armed Forces staff performs motorcycle rides whereas the staff of the Indian Air Force performs flying parade in fighter planes.
The rich and colourful culture of India is showcased in the parade of the Republic Day. Traditional as well as cultural performances are given by professionals belonging to different regions. School children in picturesque costumes also participate in the display of different aspects of the glorious history of the country on this big day.
The real heroes of the nation are honoured with the bravery awards and medals. National Awards are given to children for selfless sacrifice and bravery.
A row of IAF jets marks the end of the grand celebration, leaving behind a trail of coloured smoke. It bids goodbye to the gathered audience by lavishing rose petals on them.
