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Republic Day is a national holiday in India. The holiday honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic.
The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent republic. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic day because it was on this day in 1929 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by the British Regime.
Celebrations:
The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.
Delhi Republic Day parade:
The Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi and is organised by the Ministry of Defence. Commencing from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate, this event is the main attraction of India's Republic Day Celebrations and lasts for three days. The parade showcases India's Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage.
Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and police forces also take part in this parade.
Award distribution:
On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the civilians of India every year. These are the second-highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.
- Padma Vibhushan for "exceptional and distinguished service". Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.
- Padma Bhushan for "distinguished service of a high order". Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India.
- Padma Shri for "distinguished service". Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
History of Republic Day:
India achieved independence from British Raj on 15 August
1947 following the Indian independence movement. The independence came 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 (later Commonwealth of Nations). India obtained its
independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy with George VI as
head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. The country,
though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based
on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 29 August 1947, a
resolution was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was
appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr. B R Ambedkar as chairman.
While India's Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the
Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft
constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent
Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for
166 days, spread over a period of two years, 11 months and 18 days before
adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the
308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one
each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later which was on 26
January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation. On that day, Dr.
Rajendra Prasad's began his first term of office as President of the Indian
Union. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the
transitional provisions of the new Constitution.
Source - Wikipedia
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