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India's Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th every year, marks the day when the Constitution of India came into force in 1950, transforming the nation into a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. This day is one of the three national holidays in India and is observed with great pride and enthusiasm across the country.
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. Following this, the process of drafting a new constitution began, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often referred to as the Architect of the Indian Constitution. The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, and it came into effect on January 26, 1950. The date was chosen to honor the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930, when the Indian National Congress proclaimed complete independence from British rule.
Grand Celebrations
Grand Celebrations
The main celebration takes place in New Delhi, where a grand parade is held at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). The parade showcases India's military strength, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. It begins with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The President of India, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute.
Parade Highlights
Parade Highlights
The parade features various regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with their bands, marching in all their finery and official decorations. Twelve contingents of paramilitary forces and police also participate. Traditional dance troupes, school children, and tableaux from different states add to the vibrant display of India's cultural heritage.
One of the most anticipated segments is the flypast by the Indian Air Force, where fighter planes soar across the sky, leaving trails of smoke in the colors of the Indian flag. Helicopters shower rose petals on the spectators, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors
Republic Day is also a time to recognize bravery and service. Awards and medals are presented to members of the armed forces and civilians for their acts of valor and contributions to society. The President's chief guest, usually a foreign dignitary, adds an element of international diplomacy to the celebrations.
Cultural Programs
Cultural Programs
Across the country, various cultural programs are organized, focusing on India's rich history and diverse traditions. Children play a significant role in these events, often receiving gifts of sweets and toys. The Prime Minister's Rally and the Lok Tarang – National Folk Dance Festival, held from January 24 to January 29, are notable highlights.
Beating Retreat Ceremony
Beating Retreat Ceremony
The celebrations conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29th. This event, held at Vijay Chowk, features performances by the bands of the three armed services. The ceremony marks the end of the Republic Day festivities and is a fitting tribute to the nation's unity and discipline.
Public Holiday and Security
Public Holiday and Security
Republic Day is a gazetted holiday, with government offices, post offices, and banks closed. While public transport remains largely unaffected, the parades and events can cause significant traffic disruptions, especially in New Delhi and state capitals. Security is heightened to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Symbol of National Pride
Symbol of National Pride
Republic Day embodies the true spirit of independent India. The national flag, a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron, white, and dark green, with a navy-blue Ashoka Chakra in the center, is a powerful symbol of the nation's unity and democratic values.
Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebration:
Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebration:
The presence of a chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations is a significant tradition that underscores the country's diplomatic relations and international goodwill. Each year, a distinguished foreign leader is invited to attend the event, symbolizing India's respect and friendship towards their nation. The selection of the chief guest is a thoughtful process, reflecting strategic, economic, and political interests. Upon arrival, the chief guest is accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a guard of honor and a state banquet hosted by the President of India. During the Republic Day parade, the chief guest shares the dais with the President and Prime Minister, witnessing the grand display of India's military prowess and cultural heritage. This tradition not only enhances bilateral ties but also showcases India's commitment to global harmony and cooperation
1950s
1950s
1950: President Sukarno (Indonesia)
1951: King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah (Nepal)
1952: No invitation
1953: No invitation
1954: King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (Bhutan)
1955: Governor-General Malik Ghulam Muhammad (Pakistan)
1956: Chancellor of the Exchequer R.A. Butler (United Kingdom) and Chief Justice Kotaro Tanaka (Japan)
1957: Minister of Defence Georgy Zhukov (Soviet Union)
1958: Marshal Ye Jianying (China)
1959: Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip (United Kingdom)
1960s
1960s
1960: President Kliment Voroshilov (USSR)
1961: Queen Elizabeth II (United Kingdom)
1962: Prime Minister Viggo Kampmann (Denmark)
1963: King Norodom Sihanouk (Cambodia)
1964: Chief of Defence Staff Lord Louis Mountbatten (United Kingdom)
1965: Food and Agriculture Minister Rana Abdul Hamid (Pakistan)
1966: No invitation
1967: King Mohammed Zahir Shah (Afghanistan)
1968: Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin (USSR) and President Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia)
1969: Prime Minister Todor Zhivkov (Bulgaria)
1970s
1970s
1970: King Baudouin (Belgium)
1971: President Julius Nyerere (Tanzania)
1972: Prime Minister Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (Mauritius)
1973: President Mobutu Sese Seko (Zaire)
1974: President Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike (Sri Lanka)
1975: President Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia)
1976: Prime Minister Jacques Chirac (France)
1977: First Secretary Edward Gierek (Poland)
1978: President Patrick Hillery (Ireland)
1979: Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (Australia)
1980s
1980s
1980: President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (France)
1981: President José López Portillo (Mexico)
1982: King Juan Carlos I (Spain)
1983: President Shehu Shagari (Nigeria)
1984: King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Bhutan)
1985: President Raúl Alfonsín (Argentina)
1986: Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou (Greece)
1987: President Alan García (Peru)
1988: President Junius Jayewardene (Sri Lanka)
1989: General Secretary Nguyen Van Linh (Vietnam)
1990s
1990s
1990: Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth (Mauritius)
1991: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (Maldives)
1992: President Mário Soares (Portugal)
1993: Prime Minister John Major (United Kingdom)
1994: Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong (Singapore)
1995: President Nelson Mandela (South Africa)
1996: President Dr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil)
1997: Prime Minister Basdeo Panday (Trinidad and Tobago)
1998: President Jacques Chirac (France)
1999: King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (Nepal)
2000s
2000s
2000: President Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria)
2001: President Abdelaziz Bouteflika (Algeria)
2002: President Cassam Uteem (Mauritius)
2003: President Mohammed Khatami (Iran)
2004: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
2005: King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Bhutan)
2006: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia)
2007: President Vladimir Putin (Russia)
2008: President Nicolas Sarkozy (France)
2009: President Nursultan Nazarbayev (Kazakhstan)
2010s
2010s
2010: President Lee Myung-bak (South Korea)
2011: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Indonesia)
2012: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (Thailand)
2013: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (Bhutan)
2014: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Japan)
2015: President Barack Obama (United States)
2016: President François Hollande (France)
2017: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE)
2018: Leaders of ASEAN countries
2019: President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)
2020s
2020s
2020: President Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil)
2021: No chief guest (COVID-19 pandemic)
2022: No chief guest (COVID-19 pandemic)
2023: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt)
2024: President Emmanuel Macron (France)
2025: President Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia)
One of the most memorable moments in the history of India's Republic Day celebrations was the visit of President Barack Obama in 2015. As the first U.S. president to attend this historic event, his presence marked a significant milestone in India-U.S. relations. President Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, witnessed the grandeur of the Republic Day parade from the Rajpath saluting base alongside President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit was not only a testament to the strengthening ties between the two largest democracies in the world but also highlighted the shared values of freedom and democracy. The sight of American and Indian leaders standing together, celebrating India's democratic spirit, left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions
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