Republic Day

Republic Day is a national holiday in India, celebrated annually on January 26th. It marks the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India and turning the nation into a republic. On this day, a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, which is attended by dignitaries from all over the world, along with a large number of people. The President of India unfurls the national flag and the national anthem is played.

The parade features a display of India's cultural and military heritage, with floats representing different states of India, as well as various performances by school children and artists. The day is also marked by patriotic songs, speeches, and cultural programs across the country.

It is a day of national pride, with people from all walks of life participating in the celebrations, and it is also seen as a symbol of India's unity in diversity.

The history of Republic Day

In India dates back to the 1940s, when the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum. The Indian National Congress, the main political party leading the movement, had been demanding full independence from British colonial rule since the 1920s. After years of non-violent protests, civil disobedience, and negotiations, British India was partitioned into two independent countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947.

However, the newly independent India did not have a written constitution or a stable form of government. The drafting of a constitution for India was a long and complex process, involving a constituent assembly of elected representatives from across the country. The assembly met for over two years, from December 1946 to November 1949, to draft and debate the constitution.

The Constitution of India was finally adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950, making India a republic. On this day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India, and the country's government officially became a federal parliamentary democratic republic.

The Constitution of India lays out the framework for the government of India and the rights and duties of citizens. It is considered one of the longest and most detailed constitutions in the world, and it has served as the foundation for India's political and legal system for over 70 years.

Republic Day Celebrations

The main celebration of Republic Day takes place in the national capital, New Delhi, where a grand parade is held at Rajpath. The parade features a display of India's cultural and military heritage, with floats representing different states of India, as well as various performances by school children and artists. The parade starts with a display of India's cultural diversity, showcasing its art, music, and dance.

The President of India unfurls the national flag and the national anthem is played. A 21-gun salute is fired in honor of the occasion. The parade also features a display of India's military might, including tanks, missiles, and various types of aircraft. The parade ends with a display of colorful floats representing different states and cultural groups.

The President of India also gives a speech, addressing the nation and highlighting the achievements of the past year. The parade is attended by dignitaries from all over the world, along with a large number of people.

The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism throughout the country, with people hoisting the national flag and singing patriotic songs. In different states, cultural and traditional programs, sports competitions, and parades are organized to celebrate the day.

The day is also marked by patriotic songs, speeches, and cultural programs across the country. The state governments organize cultural programs, sports competitions and parades to mark the day. The day is a public holiday and most government and private offices remain closed.

Buildings on Raisina Hill including Rashtrapati Bhavan

Raisina Hill is a hill located in the heart of New Delhi, India, and is home to several important buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a grand palace, designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1929.

During the Republic Day celebrations, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and other buildings on Raisina Hill are often lit up in the colors of the Indian flag. This creates a spectacular sight, with the illuminated buildings standing out against the night sky. The lighting is usually done the night before the Republic Day, and the illuminated buildings can be seen from various points in the city.

The lighting is also done to showcase the architectural beauty of the buildings on Raisina Hill, as well as to highlight their importance as symbols of Indian democracy and sovereignty. Along with the lighting, the buildings are decorated with floral arrangements and the tricolor, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Raisina Hill is also the location of the secretariat building, the North and South Block, these buildings are also illuminated and decorated during the Republic Day celebrations, adding to the grandeur of the event.