Republic Day of India [26th January]: History, Significance

India celebrates Republic Day on 26th January every year to commemorate the date on which the Indian Constitution came into effect in1 1950. India became independent of the British Indian Empire in 1947, but the Constitution of India did not come into force until January 26, 1950. Republic Day is observed as a gazetted holiday in India.

On 26th of January 1950, the Constitution of India was officially announced as the governing document of India, and India was declared a sovereign state. We have shared more about the history and relevance of Republic Day here.

Republic Day 2023

India will celebrate its 74th Republic Day in 2023. On this day, in 1950, India has officially declared a republic when the Constitution of India replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. Since then, 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day in India.

India was ruled by the British for more than a century and finally gained independence in 1947. However, it was only declared as a republic on 26th January 1950. Therefore, 26th January is observed as Republic Day in India.

Republic Day: History

The history of Indian Republic Day goes back to 1950 when the Constitution came into effect. Although India gained independence from the British Raj in 1947, it was not officially declared a republic till 1950. After Dr BR Ambedkar, with the Drafting Committee of the Constitution drafted the Constitution, it was adopted on 26 November 1949. However, it came into effect on 26th January 1950.

The Constitutional Council, which was to draft the Indian Constitution, held its first meeting on December 9, 1946. The last legislative session of Parliament ended on November 26, 1949, and a year later the Constitution was adopted. The date on which the Constitution of India came into effect is celebrated as Republic Day.

Significance of India’s Republic Day

Republic Day observes the undying spirit of an independent India. On this day in 1930, the Indian National Congress promulgated the Purna Swaraj, a declaration of India's independence from colonial rule. Republic Day was a significant event in Indian history and here’s why -

• This day also commemorates the power of Indian citizens to democratically elect the government.
• The day also celebrates India's transition from an independent federal empire with the British monarch as the nominal ruler of India to a fully sovereign republic within the British Federation with the President of India as the nominal chief.
• The country celebrates this day as National Foundation Day of the Constitution of India. Republic Day is a national holiday in India.
• Indian Republic Day is a commemoration of the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, the 1935 Indian Constitution Law was inherited as a national governing document and the country was renewed.

How is Republic Day Celebrated in India?

Republic Day is a big occasion in India and is celebrated with great splendour all over the country. Here is a list of all the main attractions of this day -

• Annual Parade - The annual parade of Republic Day is a part of a much-awaited event. The parade begins at Delhi's Rajpath and ends at the India Gate. The festive event also features an aerial show of India's cultural and social heritage and parades by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. All the Indian states and union territories show their pride by participating in the annual parade.
• Beating Retreat Ceremony - On this day, the President of the country raises the flag and gives a Republic Day speech in New Delhi. This event is followed by a display by India’s armies.
• Award Distribution - The President honours the deserving national civilians with Padma Awards to honour their contributions to the country. Brave soldiers also win Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
• The live webcast of the Republic Day parade is also made available annually to millions of people who choose to watch the parade on the internet or television.

FAQs on Republic Day

Q.1. When is Republic Day celebrated in India?

Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January in India to commemorate the date on which the Constitution of India replace the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of the country. Republic Day is annually celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout the country.

Q2. When was the first Republic Day celebrated?

The first Republic Day was celebrated on 26th January 1950 when India has officially declared a sovereign state. On that day, the Constitution of India came into effect and replaced the Government of India Act. The tradition of the Republic Day celebration is big in the country, and the event is declared a national holiday.

Q3. Why do we celebrate Republic Day?

Republic Day is celebrated to mark the historic day when India became a sovereign state. Although India gained independence in 1947 and the Constitution of India was passed on November 26, 1949, the country has not declared a republic until 26th January 1950. So, 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day.

Q4. How is Republic Day celebrated in India?

Republic Day is annually observed on 26th January in India. Here are some events that take place to celebrate Republic Day in India -

• Republic Day parade
• The beating retreat
• The awards ceremony

Q5. What awards are given on Republic Day?

Every year on Republic Day, the President of India bestows Indian civilians with Padma awards. These are the second-highest citizenship honours in India after Bharat Ratna. These honours fall into three categories, in descending order: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.