Republic Day (India)

{{short description|National day of India celebrating the adoption of its Constitution (26 January)}}

{{Infobox holiday

| holiday_name = Republic Day of India

| observedby = {{flag|Republic of India}}

| image = 200px

| alt = Republic Day

| caption = The original text of the Preamble to the Constitution of India. The Constitution of India came into force on {{start date|1950|01|26|df=y}}.

| longtype = Public

| month = January

| duration = 1 day

| frequency = Annual

| scheduling = Same day each year

| date = 26 January

| significance = Adoption of the Constitution of India

| celebrations = Parades, speeches and cultural events etc.

| firsttime = {{start date and age|df=yes|1950|01|26|p=y}}

}}

Republic Day is a national holiday in India commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of India and the country's transition to a republic which came into effect on 26 January 1950.

The constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation from a dominion into a republic, following its independence from the British Raj in 1947. The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The date was chosen because the Indian National Congress had proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence) on that date in 1930.

Republic Day is commonly associated with parades, political speeches, cultural events and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and the traditions of India.

Background

India achieved independence from the British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the success of the Indian independence movement which was led by Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This was enacted through the Indian Independence Act 1947, an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent dominions of the British Commonwealth.{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/10-11/30|title=Indian Independence Act 1947|publisher=The National Archives, Her Majesty's Government|access-date=17 July 2012}} India became a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. Without a standalone constitution, its laws were based on the Government of India Act 1935 and governed by the Constituent Assembly of India.{{cite web|url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/introd.htm|title=Introduction to Constitution of India|access-date=14 October 2008|publisher=Ministry of Law and Justice of India|date=29 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022161409/http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/introd.htm|archive-date=22 October 2014}}

On 29 August 1947, a seven-member drafting committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr. B R Ambedkar as chairman.{{cite web|url=https://eparlib.nic.in/handle/123456789/760448|title=Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings)|access-date=25 January 2024}} A draft constitution prepared by the committee was submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1948.{{cite report|url=https://main.sci.gov.in/AMB/pdf/Introductry%204%20nov%201948.pdf|title=Draft constitution, introduction|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023}} After the draft was discussed and debated, the constituent assembly adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949.{{cite news|date=24 January 2019|title=In pomp and splendour|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/children/in-pomp-and-splendour/article26079712.ece|access-date=26 January 2022|issn=0971-751X}} The major part of the constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 with Rajendra Prasad becoming the first President of India and the constituent assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new constitution.{{cite report|url=https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2020/12/mygov-1000000000877532914.pdf|title=Constitution of India|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|title=Republic Day, January 26: History, Significance & Celebration|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/republic-day-january-26-history-significance-celebration/articleshow/73604790.cms|access-date=24 January 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|date=25 January 2020}} The date was chosen as the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence) on this day in 1930.{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purna-Swaraj-resolution|title=Purna Swaraj resolution|publisher=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Customs and celebrations

On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.{{cite news|last=Wangchuk|first=Rinchen Norbu|date=25 January 2021|title=5 Pre-Republic Day Speeches by Presidents That Told Us How to Preserve the Republic|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/247811/republic-day-president-address-to-the-nation-speech-constitution-ram-nath-kovind-abdul-kalam-india-nor41/|access-date=26 January 2021|work=The Better India}} On Republic Day, the President of India unfurls the national flag in the national capital New Delhi with the Governors and Lieutenant Governors unfurling the flag at the respective states and union territories.{{Cite web |last=Irfan |date=2025-01-02 |title=Happy Republic Day Images, Best Posters, Photo, 2025 |url=https://simplyirfan.com/republic-day-images/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=SimplyIrfan |language=en-US}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/flag-unfurling-on-republic-day-and-hoisting-on-independence-day-whats-the-difference-101706237442258.html|title=Flag unfurling on republic day|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=26 January 2024|access-date=26 January 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-governor-ravi-unfurls-tricolor-on-r-day-2865783|title=Tamil Nadu governor Ravi unfurls tricolor on Republic day|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=26 January 2024|access-date=26 January 2024}}

= Parade =

File:Rajendra Prasad readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade.jpg readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade on Rajpath in New Delhi, in 1950]]

The main Republic Day celebrations are held in New Delhi, at the Kartavya Path, a ceremonial boulevard that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through India Gate.{{cite news|title=Rajpath to make way for Kartavya Path: How India is stepping away from its colonial past|url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/rajpath-to-make-way-for-kartavya-path-how-india-is-stepping-away-from-its-colonial-past-11190881.html|work=Firstpost|date=6 September 2022|access-date=27 December 2023}} The event is hosted by the President of India with ceremonious parades and cultural events.{{cite news|date=24 January 2020|title=Republic Day 2020: History, significance and interesting facts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/republic-day-2020-history-significance-and-interesting-facts/story-31qEM6TExdf0ZEBf3EtsiO.html|access-date=24 January 2021|newspaper=Hindustan Times}} The Delhi Republic Day parade held during the same is organized by the Ministry of Defence.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/republic-day-2024-parade-indian-army-iaf-france-emmanuel-macron-pm-modi-vijay-chowk-photos-11706233436205.html|title=Republic day 2024|work=Live Mint|date=26 January 2024|access-date=26 January 2024}} The President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute from various units of the army, navy, air force, para-military and police forces.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/republic-day-parade-today-all-you-need-to-know-2865735|title=Republic day parade|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=26 January 2024|access-date=26 January 2024}}

= Flypast =

One of the most anticipated features of the Republic Day celebrations is the Indian Air Force flypast, which symbolically concludes the parade. The Indian Air Force’s Republic Day flypast has evolved dramatically since it first took shape. What began with Dakotas and Harvards has expanded to include formations of MiG-21s, Jaguars, Su-30MKIs, and Rafales. Special segments such as “Trishul,” “Arrowhead,” and “Brahmastra” formations reflect doctrinal and technological advancements. The flypast is now a highlight of the parade, often showcasing the IAF’s newest acquisitions and combat capabilities.{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Anchit |title=From Liberators to Sukhois: 50 Years of Republic Day Flypast |url=https://iafhistory.in/2023/01/24/from-liberators-to-sukhois-50-years-of-republic-day-flypast/ |website=IAFHistory |date=24 January 2023 |access-date=5 May 2025}}

==Chief-guest==

Every year, a head of state or government of another country is invited as the state guest of honor for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The guest country is often chosen on the basis of strategic, economic and political interests. French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at the celebrations that marked India's 75th Republic Day.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title=Republic Day 2024: Chief guests over the years |url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-republic-day-2024-chief-guests-list-2024-over-the-years-french-president-emmanuel-macron-273631 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Zee Business}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-all-chief-guests-on-indian-republic-day-parades-1579256264-1#:~:text=The%20initial%20four%20Republic%20day,Republic%20Day%20parade%20of%20India.|title=List of all Chief Guests on Indian Republic Day Parades (1950–2021)|website=Jagran Josh|access-date=25 January 2021}} In 2025, Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest of the Republic day.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-26 |title=10 things about Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto, the Republic Day chief guest |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/10-things-indonesia-president-prabowo-subianto-chief-guest-republic-day-9798635/ |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

= Beating retreat =

The Beating Retreat ceremony, conducted on the evening of 29 January, marks the end of Republic Day festivities. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the Indian armed forces at Vijay Chowk.{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-watch-live-republic-day-beating-retreat-ceremony-2017-at-vijay-chowk-new-delhi-2298800|title=Republic Day Beating Retreat Ceremony 2017 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi|newspaper=DNA India|date=29 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2018}} The President of India is escorted by the President's Bodyguard and post a ceremonial salute, the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana is played. Military bands then play popular tunes like Abide With Me, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo and Saare Jahan Se Achcha at the end.{{cite press release|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=69432|title=Curtain Raiser – Beating Retreat Ceremony 2011|date=28 January 2011|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Beating-Retreat-weaves-soul-stirring-musical-evening/articleshow/7386283.cms|title=Beating Retreat weaves soul-stirring musical evening|date=29 January 2011|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201225802/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Beating-Retreat-weaves-soul-stirring-musical-evening/articleshow/7386283.cms|archive-date=1 February 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Martial-music-rings-down-the-curtain/articleshow/7386605.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104134834/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/delhi/28374820_1_republic-day-celebrations-bands-ceremony|url-status=live|archive-date=4 November 2012|work=The Times of India|title=Martial music rings down the curtain|date=30 January 2011}}

= Awards =

On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes various civilian Padma Awards.{{cite web|title=Republic Day Celebration 2021 - Awards Recipients - Know India: National Portal of India|url=https://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/awards-recipients.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910230834/http://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/awards-recipients.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=24 January 2021|publisher=Government of India}} These were instituted in the year 1954 and are awarded in three categories in decreasing order of precedence:{{cite web|title=Padma Awards|url=http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/Scheme-PadmaAwards-050514.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115034735/http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/Scheme-PadmaAwards-050514.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2016|access-date=16 July 2014}}

75px Padma Vibhushan is awarded for "exceptional and distinguished service" and is the second highest civilian honor
75px Padma Bhushan is awarded for "distinguished service of a high order" and is the third highest civilian honor
75px Padma Shri is awarded for "distinguished service" and is the fourth highest civilian honor

The decoration consists of a certificate and a medallion and, unlike national honors, the awards do not include cash allowances, benefits, or special concessions.{{cite report|url=http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Questions/QResult15.aspx?qref=13120&lsno=16|title=Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1219: Padma Awards (2015)|publisher=Lok Sabha: Government of India|access-date=19 June 2018 }} A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.{{cite news|date=25 January 2020|title=Govt announces names of 118 Padma Shri awardees on Republic Day eve|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/govt-announces-names-of-padma-shri-awardees-on-eve-of-republic-day-1640142-2020-01-25|access-date=24 January 2021|work=India Today}}

Gallery

File:The Flag of India on Republic Day.jpg|The Flag of India, unfurled by the President of India on the Republic Day

File:Rashtrapati Bhavan and adjacent buildings, illuminated for the Republic Day.jpg|Buildings on Raisina Hill including Rashtrapati Bhavan, lit up during the Republic Day in 2008

File:SKAT.jpg|Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team of Indian Air Force performing on the Republic Day

File:BSF-Republic day.jpeg|Border Security Force personnel on the Republic Day

File:The National Security Guard (NSG) Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|National Security Guard marching in the 2017 Republic Day parade

File:1950 Republic India 01.jpg|India Post stamp commemorating the Republic Day

File:A spectacular overview of the Republic Day Parade-2005 from India Gate, in New Delhi on January 26, 2005 (1).jpg|Overview of the Republic Day parade

File:Republic Day Parade 2024.jpg|Republic Day Parade 2024

File:Daredevils at Republic Day 2025.jpg|Republic Day Parade 2025