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66th Republic Day of India (26 January)

26 January

The Republic Day is celebrated in India on 26 January every year. The day marks the sovereignty of the country, as on this day in 1950 the Constitution of India was adopted. The signature celebration of the event is the Republic Day Parade, which is held in the capital city, New Delhi.

Highlights of 2015

This year, the US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. It will be Obama's second visit to India, making him the first US President to visit the country twice during his presidential tenure. It will also be the first time when India will receive an American President as a chief guest on 26 January. Obama's wife, Michelle Obama and some other senior officials from the US will also accompany him during this visit.

It is expected that 1.25 lakh people, i.e., about 25,000 more than the usual will witness the grand Republic Day parade this year. Also, it is likely that the number of tableaux which participate in the parade may increase to 25 from 20. The duration of the parade may also extend to the usual two hours.

Significance of Republic Day

The Republic Day is celebrated as the day when India became a democratic republic. It was on 26 January 1950 that the Constitution of India was brought into force as the governing document of India that replaced the Government of India Act 1935.

The day also has significance as the declaration of Indian independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress on 26 January 1930.

Republic Day Date and Timing

The Republic Day 2015 will be celebrated on 26 January. This day will be observed as a national holiday. All the public offices and schools will remain closed to celebrate the spirit of patriotism on this day.

Republic Day Celebrations

The entire nation comes alive with patriotic fervour on this day, but the principal celebration of the Republic Day takes place in the national capital, New Delhi from 9 a.m. and continues for about three hours. This historic occasion becomes a national festival with the involvement of people from all over the country. The day symbolises the unity of the nation as it brings together people from different castes, creed, religions and regions to celebrate the day with the pride of being an Indian. 

The celebration takes place at the Rajpath with great enthusiasm and pride, which can be experienced by any individual as the Republic Day Parade is a ticketed event. The tickets for the same can be bought a couple of weeks before the event.

Repulic Day celebrations across the country

Apart from the grand celebrations in the capital, the Republic Day is also celebrated in different parts of the country at different levels, such as in cities, district headquarters, panchayats, schools and offices.

• In Mumbai, people attend Republic Day Parade at Shivaji Park or Marine Drive.
• In Bangalore, people celebrate Republic Day at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground, which holds a parade and cultural fair.
• In Kolkata, people enjoy the Republic Day parade held along the Red Road.
• In Chennai, Republic Day celebrations take place at Marina Beach and Kamaraj Salai.

Beating Retreat

The Republic Day celebration ends officially with the Beating Retreat ceremony, which is held on the 29 January every year. The Indian Air Force, the India Navy, and the Indian Army at the Raisina Hill, New Delhi become a part of this ceremony in front of the President of India.

Republic Day Parade

The grandeur of the Republic Day of India is visible in the grand parade that is held along Rajpath, beginning from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan and ending at India Gate.

The occasion witnesses the presence of the President, the Prime Minister and several other high-ranking officials of the country. The parade starts when the Prime Minister of India offers wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate, in memory of the martyrs of the Indian army.

The national flag is unfurled by the President of India, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. This is succeeded by the cheerful tune of the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute.

The different regiments of Navy, Army and Air Force display their might along the Rajpath, saluting the President. The Armed Forces staff perform motorcycle rides whereas the staff of the Indian Air Force perform flying parade in fighter planes. 

The rich and colourful culture of India is showcased in the parade of the Republic Day. Traditional as well as cultural performances are given by professionals belonging to different regions. School children in picturesque costumes also participate in the display of different aspects of the glorious history of the country on this big day.

The real heroes of the nation are honoured with the bravery awards and medals. National Awards are given to children for selfless sacrifice and bravery. 

A row of IAF jets marks the end of the grand celebration, leaving behind a trail of coloured smoke. It bids goodbye to the gathered audience by lavishing rose petals on them.