Some Interesting facts about the Republic Day of India

Republic day is celebrated in India every year on 26 January. The constituent assembly of India adopted our constitution on 26 November 1949. It came into force on this day in the year 1950. The date 26 January is also historically significant as on this day Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj from the British rule as its objective in 1930.

Republic day is celebrated across the country with extreme enthusiasm. The whole nation brightens up in tri-colors depicting the patriotism, love and faith of every Indian in our country.

Interesting Facts:

• • The president of Indonesia Sukarno was the first guest of honor to attend the republic day celebration in 1950.
  • During the period from 1950 to 1954, the republic day parade was held at Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium), Red Fort, Kingsway (now Rajpath) and Ramlila grounds. Rajpath became the permanent venue for parade in the year 1955.
  • The republic day parade starts at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and ends at the India Gate. The celebration lasts for three days and the Beating The Retreat ceremony is held at the end of the third day after the republic day i.e., on 29 January marking the end of this celebration.
  • During the republic day celebration the tune of a hymn “Abide with me” is played. This hymn was a favorite of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • National awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan and gallantry awards are awarded during the republic day ceremony.
  • The Indian constitution is the longest written constitution in the world currently having 448 articles divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules.
  • It took 2 years 11 months and 18 days to draft this constitution and it was done by the drafting committee lead by Late Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
  • The constitution was signed by 308 Assembly members on  24 January 1950.
  • Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, the three concepts highlighted in our constitution are inspired by the French constitution.
  • There are two hand written copies of the original document, one in English and one in Hindi. These are preserved in a helium filled case at the Parliament of India.
  • The song “Jana Gana Mana” written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore was adopted as the National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. It was initially written in Bengali and later on translated to Hindi.
  • On the first Republic Day ceremony, the Indian National Flag and the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad  were given a 31 gun salute.  Since then every year a 21-gun salute is given to the National Flag and the President during the flagship ceremony.
  • One of the most fascinating parts of this ceremony is the Flypast by the Indian Air Force which involves the participation of about 41 aircraft. The aircraft involved in the parade take off from different air bases and co-ordinate their flight to reach Rajpath at a fixed time.

Republic day is an important day of Indian history. Let us take a moment to realize the sacrifice our leaders had made to gain independence. Lets salute their love and sacrifice for our country and do our little bit each day for a better India.

Wishing you all a very Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!!