Why Do We Celebrate Republic Day? History, Significance, And Facts

The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution and came into effect on January 26, 1950.

Republic Day is celebrated to commemorate this day. Republic Day celebrations include flag hoisting on various buildings, parades in New Delhi and other cities, and a national holiday for all.

India became independent from British rule in 1947. The leaders of the country spent the next two to three years drafting the Constitution of India. A constitution is a collection of principles and laws according to which the land and its people can be governed. This governing document forms the legal basis for the governing of a state and the rights of the people living in it. India wrote its constitution over a long period of time because the drafters used other constitutions to write it and mold it to fit the needs of the people of India. The Constitution of India is the second-longest active constitution in the world, after the Constitution of Alabama. While the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on November 26, 1949, finally the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. This day is celebrated as Republic Day as the Constitution declared India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The constitution officially came into effect on January 26 to honor the same date in 1929, when the Indian National Congress declared that they want 'Purna Swaraj' or declaration of Indian Independence; that is the history of Republic Day. The Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as Chairman was responsible for the laws aggregated in the permanent Constitution. The Republic Day celebrations mainly consist of a Republic Day parade by regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, at Rajpath, in New Delhi.

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Why do we celebrate Republic Day?

In India, Republic Day is annually celebrated on January 26. It marks the day the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. While the Indian Constitution was prepared and presented to the Constituent Assembly by November 26, 1949, its official implementation was postponed till January 26, 1950, to honor the Purna Swaraj declaration made by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1929. The importance of Republic Day comes from the fact the constitution declared India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. It was a major step taken by the country and government following Indian Independence. The handwritten copies of the original Constitution, signed by members of the Assembly, are preserved in Helium at the Parliament House in New Delhi. On January 26, 1950, when the constitution came into effect, the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad began his term. Before the permanent Constitution was written, the governing laws of independent India were based on the Government of India Act.

How is Republic Day celebrated?

Republic Day in India is celebrated with a lot of pomp and fervor throughout the country. Republic Day is one of the national holidays where all private and government stores and offices have a mandatory off day. Defense establishments across the country hold their own parade and celebrations, involving the soldiers and men regardless of department. The official celebration is at Rajpat, Delhi, the national capital, in front of the President of India. Regiments of the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, paramilitary forces, and police march on Rajpath. Rajpath is a ceremonial boulevard in Delhi that starts from that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan and runs through Vijay Chowk, India Gate, National War Memorial, and National Stadium. The President of India presents the Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shree) to the civilians of India. The Padma Awards are the highest civilian honors of India. The Beating Retreat ceremony is held on January 29, which ends the Republic Day celebrations for the year. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force bands perform in the Beating Retreat ceremony.
 

Which countries celebrate Republic Day?

Republic Day is a day when a country becomes a Republic. Republic Day is celebrated as a national holiday by countries to commemorate this change or update the status of the country. Over 150 countries in the world celebrate Republic Day each year. The way each country celebrates this day may be different. The majority of the countries became a republic in the 18th or 19th century. India is one of the twenty-five countries which became a republic after the Second World War.

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