Republic Day - 26th January
26th January is national holiday of India, on 26th January 1950 the Constitution of India came into effect. India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947 and after transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic the constitution of India was adopted on 26th January 1950, and Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first president of India.
The Indian Constitution, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly after considerable discussions represented the framework of the Government of the Country.
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Republic Day Parade
Every year a grand parade is held in New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan, along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Celebrations are also held in state capitals, where the governor of the state unfurls the national flag.
Before the parade starts, the Prime Minister of India lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, commemorating all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
The President unfurls the National Flag and the National Anthem is played. This marks the beginning of the parade.
The main attractions of the parade are, different regiments of the army, navy and air force marching in all their fineries, NCC cadets and cultural programs of the school children’s.
The most cheered section of the parade is the children who have won National Bravery Awards, and India's rich cultural heritage is paraded with tableaux from various states which is worth watching.
The official conclusion of Republic Day festivities is much later - on the evening of January 29, i.e. three days after Republic Day. This ceremony is called Beating the Retreat.
