The Republic of India has been celebrating the Republic Day of India on 26th January every year to mark its passing from British colonization to an independent democratic republic.
The date marks the adoption of the present Constitution in 1950 and has been celebrated with national fervor ever since.
This national holiday is also the biggest parade event in India. Every year, thousands of people from all over India gather in Delhi to celebrate this important day.
The History of Republic Day [26th January]
India is celebrating its 73rd Republic Day this year to mark the day India became a sovereign republic.
It is important for every citizen of India to understand what the meaning of Republic Day is.
Although India gained independence from the British in 1947, it was still governed under the Colonial Government of India Act 1935.
The Constitution was adopted in November 1949, and the transition was completed a year later.
On 26 January 1930, The Indian National Congress announced “Purna Swaraj” or self-rule. It was many years before India achieved independence on 15 August 1947.
The Indian Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, and India became a sovereign state on that day. Indian Republic Day was declared on the same day.
India celebrates Republic Day every year on 26th January to commemorate the day the Colonial Government of India Act was replaced by the Indian Constitution as the governing document of India.
On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India and the Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India.
On this day, Indians all over the country celebrate by marching down the streets of their cities. The Indian flag is also raised all over the country.
Constitution of India
The Constitution of India is a document that sets out the basic principles and fundamental rights of the citizens of India.
It was prepared by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who is also known as the father of the Constitution Drafting Committee. Gopala Swami Ayyangar, K.M. Munshi, T. T. Krishnamachari, Muhammed Saadulah, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, N. Madhava Rao, were the other six members on the committee.
The Indian Constitution is the longest ever handwritten Constitution in the world.
The original Constitution of India had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. However, amendments and additions have led to the current constitution having 470 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules with five appendices.
The Constitution of India lays out the power structure in the country between the central government and the states.
It sets up checks and balances between the various functions of the government to ensure that one branch does not get too much power.
With the 1950 constitution, India officially came to be known as the Republic of India — a “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic” that “secures all its citizens’ justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity,” according to its preamble.
As an Indian citizen, you must know your fundamental rights and duties as stated in the Indian constitution:
- Right to Equality,
- Right to Freedom,
- Right against Exploitation,
- Right to Freedom of Religion,
- Right to Life,
- Cultural, and Educational Right,
- Right to Constitutional Remedies,
- Right to Privacy etc.
Indian Republic Day Celebrations
The day is celebrated in a grand fashion with a parade on Rajpath.
On the occasion of Republic Day, the prime minister pays homage to the fallen heroes of India at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.
This is followed by two minutes of silence, a guard of honor, and then the main celebration that begins with the biggest and most important parades of the year.
After the president, the prime minister, and the chief guest reach the dais, the ceremony of unfurling the national flag begins while the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana is being played.
This year in 2022 the Indian Republic Day Parade at the Rajpath will be one of the grandest and the largest flypast in its history with the participation of 75 aircraft.
It is to celebrate 75 years of independence and mark the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations.
Furthermore, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country to honor their contribution to the nation.
Brave soldiers are also awarded the highest military awards, such as Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
The day is also marked by displays of the personnel of three wings of the military – the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force, who perform at the parade.
On January 26, twenty-five tableaux of the different states, departments, and armed forces will be on display during the parade.
R-Day Parade 2022: Tickets and Rules for Republic Day Parade & Beating Retreat Ceremony
Republic Day Parade
The parade begins from the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan and ends at Red Fort. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, this year’s Republic Day parade will only end at National Stadium.
Besides performing stunts, aerial acrobatics, and stunts on motorbikes, tanks, and other weapons systems, air shows also feature stunning tableaus that reflect the uniqueness and beauty of the various states of India.
Beating Retreat Ceremony
The final event known as the Beating Retreat is the official conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations signifies the end of Republic Day festivities.
It is carried out on the third day i.e. on 29 January by Section D of the Ministry of Defence. The performance encompasses the music performed by the regiments of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
It is perhaps the most colorful of all military ceremonies, featuring valor and discipline. It also celebrates the conclusion of military training and is also a nod to times of war.
There is no way that you can miss the Republic Day Parade or the Beating Retreat Ceremony in Delhi.
How to Get Tickets for Republic Day Parade
You can buy the tickets for both events together at the above-stated ticket counters from January 20 to January 28.
So, book your tickets now from these counters and watch it live:
- Sena Bhawan (Gate No. 2)
- Shastri Bhawan Counter (Near Gate No. 3)
- Jamnagar House (Opp India Gate)
- Pragati Maidan (Gate No. 1)
There is a special Counter for Members of Parliament in the Parliament House Reception Office.
A live webcast of the Republic Day Parade is also available every year to millions of people who want to watch the parade over the Internet or TV.
Note – This year the number of people attending the Republic Day parade will be limited to about 5,000-8,000 because of the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
- Ticket counters will be closed on January 26, on the occasion of Republic Day.
- Double vaccinated adults and children above the age of 15 who have taken at least one dose of Covid-19 will be allowed to enter the parade.
Republic Day is celebrated with a series of parades, cultural events, and processions throughout the country.
The parade is the highlight of Republic Day celebrations. One must watch the live telecast of the grand celebration or make effort to watch it in person.
Have you ever watched the live Republic Day parade in Delhi? How was your experience?
Please let us know in the comments below!
FAQs on 73rd Republic Day of India [26th January]
When is Indian Republic Day Celebrated?
Republic Day of India is celebrated on 26th January every year since 1950. On January 26th, 2022, India will be celebrating its 73rd Republic Day.
Why is Republic Day Celebrated on 26th January?
Republic Day commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India was adopted on January 26, 1950. It is an official holiday of the Republic of India.
Who Wrote the Constitution of India?
B.R. Ambedkar drafted the Constitution of India along with six other members of the constituent assembly. He is also known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
What is the Difference b/w Independence Day and Republic Day?
Independence Day marks India’s independence from British rule which was achieved on 15th August 1947. Whereas Republic Day is the day when India gained its sovereignty by replacing the colonial Government of India Act 1935 with the Indian Constitution.
Who is the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2022?
There would be no foreign leader as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. But a day later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the first India-Central Asia Summit in a virtual format.
