Happy Republic Day 2023: History, importance, significance and why is it Celebrated?
Happy Republic Day 2023: History, importance, significance and why is it Celebrated?
| Contents | |
| 1. | When is India Republic Day? |
| 2. | What is India Republic Day? |
| 3. | History and Significance |
| 4. | How is India Republic Day celebrated? |
Happy Republic Day 2023: India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day 2023 and it is one of the most important days in its history. On this day it marks the date when the constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. The day is observed as a national holiday and is celebrated every year with great fervor across the nation.
On this day in 1950, the constitution of India came into existence, and the largest democracy in the world became sovereign. The entire nation comes together to celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and patriotism.
Although India got its independence on August 15, 1947, the country declared itself a sovereign republic on January 26, 1950. The Republic is celebrated every year with a grand parade at Rajpath in Delhi. This year the parade will feature 17 military bands, 16 marching contingents, and 25 tableaux of several states, Union Territories (UTs), armed forces, and departments.
This year, India will observe Republic Day with the same amount of enthusiasm and celebrations. We have curated a list of wishes and messages that you can share with your loved ones that will make them fill up with pride for the country.
When is India Republic Day?
Indian Republic Day falls on January 26 every year.
What is India Republic Day?
Republic Day is one of three Indian national holidays and it commemorates the enactment of the constitution of India, which occurred on January 26, 1950. India achieved independence from Britain on August 15, 1947 (which is celebrated as a separate national holiday), but for its first three years, the country remained governed largely by the colonial Government of India Act of 1935.
Shortly after independence was declared, a constituent assembly elected by provincial assemblies went about drafting a constitution that would govern the newly independent nation. After more than two years, the constitution of India was completed and solidified the establishment of India’s independent democratic government. January 26 was chosen as the official enactment date as a nod to the Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) declaration of independence by the Indian National Congress in 1930 — considered the first concrete step toward independence from Britain.
With the 1950 constitution, the country was officially known as the Republic of India — a “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic” that “secures all its citizen’s justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity,” according to its preamble.
History and Significance
India adopted the Constitution, written by BR Ambedkar on January 26, 1950, and ever since then the day is commemorated as Republic Day. The Constitution of India governs the country. India needed an independent constitution to protect the rights of citizens and the principles of running a nation. BR Ambedkar was India’s first law minister and chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
The reason why January 26 was chosen as Republic Day was that on this day in the year 1930, Indian National Congress (INC) proclaimed the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) rejecting the Dominion status offered by the British Regime.
Additionally, Constitution Day is celebrated in India on November 26 every year, as on November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India.
How is India Republic Day celebrated?
The main event for the holiday is a massive parade held in the capital of New Delhi, which includes cultural, historical, and military displays. The parade is preceded by the prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti — an arched war memorial — and taking a moment of silence to commemorate fallen soldiers.
Smaller parades, cultural programs, public celebrations, and private parties take place throughout the country, as most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. The festivities officially come to a close on January 29 with the Beating Retreat Ceremony in New Delhi, where bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force perform.
