Republic Day (India)
Republic Day in India is celebrated annually on January 26, marking the adoption of the country's constitution in 1950 and the establishment of India as a republic. This day honors the transition from colonial rule to an independent nation with a democratic framework, following India’s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. The origins of Republic Day can be traced back to a 1929 meeting of the Indian National Congress, where the first version of the Indian flag was unveiled and a pledge for freedom was made. The inaugural Republic Day took place in 1950, culminating two years of constitutional drafting.
Celebrations include a grand parade in New Delhi, showcasing military displays, cultural performances, and representations from various states and ethnic groups. The parade begins at the presidential palace and concludes at the historic Red Fort, featuring aerial displays by the Indian Air Force. The festivities span three days, concluding with a ceremonial "beating retreat" on January 29. Notably, since 2020, wreath-laying ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers have been held at the newly inaugurated National War Memorial, reflecting the significance of the day in commemorating India's sovereignty and diverse heritage.
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Republic Day (India)
Republic Day (India)
Republic Day is held on January 26 of every year and honors the formation of the Republic of India, with a written constitution and an elected legislature, on January 26, 1950. India actually achieved independence on August 15, 1947, which is why August 15 is recognized as Independence Day. It took more than two years, however, for the Constituent Assembly of India to draft a constitution upon which the delegates could agree, so that achievement is honored separately as Republic Day.
The origins of Republic Day can be traced to a meeting of the Indian National Congress in late December 1929. India was still a British colonial possession and organizations like the Indian National Congress were fighting for independence. At that session, a prototype of the modern Indian flag was revealed and the delegates took a pledge to always work for the freedom of India. Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders finally achieved that independence after World War II, thanks to a combination of factors, such as a successful policy of passive resistance and developing sympathy for their cause throughout the international community. However, upon achieving its independence in 1947, India was far from unified, due in large part to the existence of ancient principalities controlled by local rulers who had originally signed treaties of alliance or entered into other agreements with their British conquerors going back to the eighteenth century. The statesmanship of Indian leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel convinced these many states to join the fold, and an effective constitution was finally crafted.
The first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 1950. Today it is observed throughout the nation with a variety of events, including parades, floats, and local entertainments, with the most elaborate festivities taking place in New Delhi, the capital. A massive Republic Day parade is held with marching troops and cavalry, a tradition which ironically was adopted from the British. The parade begins at the presidential palace and ends at the Red Fort in the old quarter of the city. The Indian air force puts on an impressive display, including the use of colored jet contrails. Regional states and ethnic groups are represented by costumed participants, folk dancers, and floats in the parade and in other events. After three days of celebrations, Republic Day festivities typically end on January 29 when the ceremony of “beating retreat” is held, a highly stylized rendition of the old military ritual of summoning troops back to the barracks with drummers and music. After the National War Memorial honoring soldiers who had died in wars following independence was built and inaugurated in 2019, India's prime minister conducted the wreath laying, which traditionally took place as part of Republic Day celebrations at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial, at the National War Memorial for the first time in 2020.
Bibliography
Brown, Forrest. "Republic Day 2020: Join India's Great Big Constitution Party." CNN Travel, 25 Jan. 2020, www.cnn.com/travel/article/republic-day-india-2020/index.html. Accessed 10 Apr. 2020.
"India's Republic Day: What You Need to Know." Asia Society, asiasociety.org/reference/indias-republic-day-what-you-need-know. Accessed 10 Apr. 2020.
"Republic Day Celebrations." Know India, Government of India, knowindia.gov.in/my-india-my-pride/republic-day-celebrations.php. Accessed 10 Apr. 2020.