10 Interesting Facts About Republic Day
Republic Day of India is celebrated on 26th January because it is on this day when the constitution of India which was written by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar came into force. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar took 2 years and 11 months to draft the Constitution of India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the President of the Republic of India.
The first Republic Day of India was celebrated after 2 years of Indian Independence Day. The celebration starts on 26th January with Republic Day Parade and ends on 29th January with Beating Retreat Ceremony. Earlier from 1950-1954 the Republic Day was celebrated at Irwin Stadium now called National Stadium and moved to Rajpath in 1955. The tricolor is hoisted on the Red Fort and the Parade starts from Rajpath and ends at Red Fort and a 21-gun salute is given to the National Flag. Let us know some more important facts about India Republic Day.
1. Indian constitution came into play on January 26th
India achieved Independence on August 15, 1947, but our leaders want January 26th to be remembered in history. It was on 26th January 1930 when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj or Indian independence from the British regime. It was on this day in 1930 when the country decided to push for complete freedom from the British.
2. Longest Constitution in the world
Indian Constitution is the longest constitution written in the world. The constitution has 444 articles divided into 22 parts and 12 schedules. Recently, 118 amendments were added to the Constitution. It is inspired by the best aspects of other countries’ Consitution. The 5-year plan came from the Constitution of the USSR while the concept of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity has come from the French Constitution.
3. Indian constitution is calligraphed
The task of writing the Indian Constitution was lead by Dr. BR Ambedkar and it took around 2 years 11 months and 18 days to be drafted. There are two copies of the Indian Constitution, one in Hindi and the other in English and both the copied were handwritten. The copies of the handwritten Constitution of Indian were signed by 308 Assembly members on January 24, 1950. Both the original copies of the Constitution are preserved in helium-filled caskets at the Library of Parliament House. The Indian Constitution has never been printed ever.
4. Grand Republic Day Parade in Delhi
The President of India addresses the citizens on the eve of Republic day. The Republic Day ceremony started with paying tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. Garlands are offered by the Prime minister at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, New Delhi. The Republic Day Parade commences with the arrival of the President of India. The tricolor is hoisted on the Red Fort by the President (President is the constitutional head) on the occasion followed by the National anthem and 21 gun salutes.
The parade is led by the three divisions of the Indian armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) who display their strength. There is also floats of various Indian states and government departments on the various theme, representing their culture, heritage, and vision for the future.
5. Presidents of different countries are invited as Chief Guests
Every year heads of different countries are invited as chief guests for the celebration. First India’s Republic Day Chief Guest was the first Head of State of Indonesia, President Sukarno. The first chief guest to attend the Rajpath Parade in 1955 was Malik Ghulam Mohammed, the first Governor-General of Pakistan.
6. Republic Day is celebrated for 3 days
The Republic Day is celebrated in India for 3 days it begins with flag hoisting and parade on 26th January and ends with Beating Retreat Ceremony on 29th January. The three-day-long celebration also includes the decoration of important Government buildings with lights.
7. Prestigious awards are given on this day
The National Awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, and Kriti Chakra are announced on the eve of Republic Day and awarded on the Republic Day. National Bravery Award is also awarded on this day to children who have displayed an immense act of courage.
8. Beginning of Democracy
Republic Day is the starting of India as a democratic country, with all citizens above the age of 18 have the right to vote. All citizens have entitled to their fundamental rights. Before 26th January 1950, India followed the Government of India Act 1935, made by the British Government.
9. The Indian Air Force became independent on Republic Day
The Indian Air Force came into existence as an independent body on Republic Day. The Indian Air Force was created by British Empire and was called Royal Indian Air Force, it was only after the country became Republic on January 26th, 1950 that the Indian Air Force removed the prefix Royal and became an independent entity.
10. Beating Retreat ceremony
The celebration of Republic Day ends with the Beating Retreat ceremony held on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, since 1950. During The Beating Retreat, ‘Abide with Me’ is the song that is played to mark the end of the ceremony. It is believed to be one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite songs. With the sound of buglers exactly at 6 pm, the National Flag is lowered, and the National Anthem is sung. This concludes the Republic Day celebrations.
