India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26th every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic. It is a day of great pride and joy for all Indians, but there are some interesting facts about this special day that many people don’t know. From the official mascot of Indian Republic Day to the surprising number of states and union territories in India, in this blog post, we will explore fascinating facts about Indian Republic Day that you may not have known.
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The date was chosen to mark the end of British rule in India
India achieved its independence from the British Raj on August 15th, 1947. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India and declared the country a sovereign, democratic, and republic nation on January 26th, 1950. This day marks the establishment of Indian Republic Day and is celebrated with parades and festivities across the country. This day symbolizes the transfer of power from the colonial rulers to the citizens of India, allowing them to create their laws and govern themselves democratically.
It is celebrated as a national holiday all over India
Republic Day is an important day for all Indians and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm all over the country. It is an official holiday for all state and central government offices, post offices, schools, and colleges. People from different parts of India gather to participate in the celebrations which include flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and more. People dress up in tricolor attires and join in celebrations to mark the end of British rule and celebrate India’s journey as a sovereign nation.
A grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, every year
Every year, India celebrates Republic Day with a grand parade in the capital, New Delhi. Held at Rajpath, the parade begins with a grand display of Indian military might and ends with an impressive display of pageantry. The parade is attended by India’s President, along with various foreign dignitaries. During the parade, participants march down Rajpath in traditional attire, showcasing the culture of various Indian states. The parade also showcases a variety of military equipment, aircraft, and other weapons used by the Indian Armed Forces. A special emphasis is placed on the saluting of the tricolor Indian flag. The grand parade culminates with a spectacular flypast of the Indian Air Force’s fighter jets. As part of this ceremony, India pays homage to its brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The grandeur of the parade is sure to leave spectators mesmerized and make them proud to be Indian.
The President of India attends the parade and takes the salute
Every year on Republic Day, the President of India attends the grand parade in the capital, New Delhi. On this day, the President takes the salute and inspects the parade, giving it his blessings. It is a great honor for the Indian Armed Forces to be part of this auspicious event. A 21-gun salute is also given in honor of the President and the occasion. The President’s presence adds to the grandeur of the Republic Day celebration, further making it a momentous event.
National Awards and Gallantry Awards are given out on Republic Day
On Republic Day, the President of India bestows a range of awards and medals for exceptional service. These include the Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra for gallantry, and the Padma awards for outstanding achievements in the fields of literature, science, and public service. This is done to recognize and honor those who have served India in an exemplary manner. The awards also serve as an inspiration to others to strive to do better and make the nation proud.
Floats from different states of India are part of the parade
Each state showcases its culture and traditions by presenting beautiful floats. Different states come up with unique concepts to portray the diversity of India. From elaborate tableaux to innovative ideas, these floats add color to the entire parade. They feature traditional costumes, art forms, folk music, and performances that reflect the culture of the state. Furthermore, each state also has its army unit marching in the parade and these units are adorned with special decorations to mark their participation in the parade. The floats add grandeur to the spectacle and make it a memorable event for everyone.
The National Flag is hoisted on public and government buildings
On Indian Republic Day, the national flag is hoisted atop public and government buildings all over the country. It is a symbol of India’s freedom and a sign of unity among its citizens. The hoisting of the flag is accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem and other patriotic songs. It is a day for Indians to remember and be proud of their culture, heritage, and freedom from colonial rule. The National Flag is a reminder of India’s independence and sovereignty as well as its commitment to unity in diversity.
A 21-gun salute is given in honor of the occasion
A 21-gun salute is a traditional honor given to a person or event of great importance. On Indian Republic Day, the President of India is honored with a 21-gun salute at the official ceremony in New Delhi. This act of respect is a symbolic gesture of recognition for the head of state and is meant to show the power and might of the Indian nation.
The 21-gun salute is performed by a group of seven gunners firing seven blank shots in quick succession. The sequence starts with a single shot, then two shots fired together, then three, and so on until seven shots are fired in total. This form of honor is also carried out on other occasions such as military funerals and memorial services, as well as other government ceremonies.
The tradition of 21-gun salute originated from the naval tradition in which guns were fired as a sign of respect for the visiting ships. This practice was adopted by the land forces, where it became a symbol of respect and honor for royalty and other leaders. This same gesture is today performed on Indian Republic Day to honor the President of India and the country’s heritage and culture.