India got freedom from the British Raj on August 15, 1947. At that time, the country had no constitution of its own. The first draft of the Indian Constitution was presented by the drafting committee on November 4, 1947 to the national assembly.

A Drafting Committee was set up by the Constituent Assembly on August 29, 1947, under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for preparing a draft Constitution for India. The first draft of Indian constitution was approved by the Indian Constituent Assembly in both Hindi and English Language on January 26, 1950, making India a republic country. The Constitution, replaced the Government of India Act, 1935, and gave the power to Indian citizens to choose their own government.

Republic day in India is celebrated on 26th of January to honour the Constitution of India.

Republic Day Celebration:

India celebrates Independence Day to mark the freedom from the British Rule. The nation celebrates Republic Day to commemorate the enforcement of its own constitution.

Republic Day is celebrated officially every year in New Delhi, the national capital of India, at the Rajpath in the presence of country’s President. The day is celebrated throughout the nation with great zest and enthusiasm. President of India hoists the National Flag at Rajpath, New Delhi.

Republic Day events are organized by the Government of India. A majestic military parade is held at the Rajpath in New Delhi, also in the state capitals. Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, and traditional dance groups take part in the Republic Day parade.

Republic day parade starts when country’s Prime Minister offers garland at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, to commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. Indian President takes the military salute during the parade, whereas the military salute is taken by the state governors in the state capitals. A foreign head of the state also become chief guest of the President of India on this day.

On this day, National awards like Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, and Ashok Chakra, along with bravery medals to the soldiers, students, and Indian citizens are given.

Several traditional and cultural programs are also performed by the professionals from different states of the country to put light on the country’s glorious history and culture. A rally of Indian Prime Minister and Lok Tarang-National Folk Dance Festival is also held from 24-29 of January.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi,was the chief guest on India’s 68th Republic Day Parade held on January 26, 2017 at Rajpath in New Delhi.