January 26th, 2015 | Updated on February 2nd, 2023
Republic Day is a very significant day in India, as it marks the day when the country’s constitution came into effect. This day is celebrated with great pride by Indians all over the world, as it represents the country’s journey to becoming a democracy. On Republic Day, there is a parade in Delhi which showcases India’s diversity and cultural heritage.
Republic Day is a patriotic holiday that celebrates the day India became a republic. This holiday is celebrated with barbeques, fireworks, parades and other festivities. While these celebrations are enjoyable, it’s important to remember the meaning behind Republic Day and how far India has come in building itself into a strong nation.
India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26. On this day in 1950, India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic. The President of India presides over the Republic Day Celebrations at Rajpath while millions watch the event as it is broadcasted live on television.
A Republic day is an integral part of our country, and is a day when We, the whole nation, celebrate it with a sense of pride. Our hearts overwhelm with honor whenever we see the hoisting of our tricolour on January 26.
We know that India was declared a Republic in 1950; but there are probably a lot of amazingly interesting facts about the nation’s Republic that we may not familiar with.
1. The date 26th January was especially selected since it was the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day (26th January 1930)
2. After 26th Jan 1950, Governor General post was made as President of India. Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India
3. India has the longest written Constitution in the world, incorporating 448 Articles in 22 Parts, 12 Schedules and 98 Amendments
4. It took Dr. B.R.Ambedkar 2 years 11 months and 18 days to draft the Indian Constitution
5. Two hand-written copies of the Constitution were prepared: in English and in Hindi
6. Both were signed by 308 members of the Assembly on 24th January 1950. It became effective two days later, and came into force throughout the country
7. When the new Constitution was signed by the members on 24th Jan 1950, it was drizzling outside the Parliament at Delhi. It was considered by them as a good omen
8. After putting their signatures, all the members including Dr Rajendra Prasad (President of India Elect) and other Members sang Vandemataram and Jana Gana Mana in Chorus, symbolising a great achievement of Sovereign Independent Republic of India, after a struggle of nearly three centuries
9. The original hand-written copies of the Constitution are kept in helium-filled cases in the Library of Parliament House. (source: Anand Philip’s Blog http://anandphilip.com/images-of-the-original-constitution-of-india/)
10. India’s motto “Satyamev Jayate” is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad,from the Atharvaveda It was translated into Hindi by Abid Ali in 1911
11. Madan Mohan Malviya selected the Indian motto of ‘Satyamev Jayate’
12. Rabindranath Tagore wrote Jana Gana Mana in Bengali first. It was translated by Abid Ali into Hindi, in 1911, and officially adopted as the Indian National Anthem in 1950
13. It takes 52 seconds to sing the complete National Anthem
14. The Indian emblem is adapted from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, dating back to 250 BC
15. The Indian flag was conceptualized and designed by Pingali Venkayya, a farmer from Machilipatnam
16. The ratio of the Indian flag’s width to length is two to three
17. The Indian flag, by law, is made of khadi and can be only made in nine specified sizes
18. Flying an Indian flag made from any material other than khadi is punishable by law with upto three years of imprisonment and a hefty fine
19. The Indian flag should never touch the ground or water, or ever be used as drapery
20. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as India’s first President on 26th January 1950
21. The Prime Minister places a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti as a mark of respect to the thousands of soldiers of the country who had died fighting for the Indian Independence
22. A 21 gun salute is fired as the President of India unfurls the tricolour, as a naval and military mark of honour
23. Republic day is chosen as the day to give away bravery awards to deserving candidates. The awards that are given away are Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Ashoka Chakra
24. The ‘Beating Retreat’ held on 29th January, marks the end of all Republic day celebrations in the country. The ceremony is held Vijay Chowk where bands of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy perform
25. The ceremonial performance of bands of the defense forces was started in the early 1950s by a certain Major Roberts of the Indian Army
26. One of the most popular tune that is played at the Republic day functions is ‘Abide with me’, a Christian hymn, which was said to be Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite
Sources: www.buzzoop.com, blog.buzzintown.com, www.mensxp.com,bms.co.in,
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