What better time than now to teach your child some Republic Day facts? The 26th of January, when India celebrates Republic Day, is more than just a national holiday. It is also more than the grand parade and tableaux that highlight our country’s military might and cultural diversity. It’s a day to remember those who gave their lives in the fight for our country’s independence.

The History of Republic Day

On August 15, 1947, India declared independence from British rule. At that time, India lacked a permanent constitution. On November 4, 1947, the drafting committee delivered the first draft of the constitution to the national assembly. On January 24, 1950, the national assembly signed the final English and Hindi language copies of the constitution.

India’s constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, Republic Day. Purna Swaraj Day, which took place on January 26, 1930, was chosen as the anniversary date. The Indian constitution granted citizens the ability to choose their government, allowing them to govern themselves.

Republic Day Parade

Every year, to commemorate the significance of this day, a magnificent parade is held in New Delhi, beginning at Rajghat and ending at Vijaypath. Various Army, Navy, and Air Force regiments march past in full regalia and official medals. Even the cavalry horses are tastefully caparisoned for the occasion. Following the procession, several states of the country put up spectacular shows. These moving exhibitions depict scenes of people’s activities in different states, and each show is accompanied by music and songs from that state. Each display highlights the diversity and prosperity of Indian culture, and the overall show has a lighthearted tone to it.

Interesting facts about the day

• Since 1950, as the national flag is taken down in a solemn ceremony, the Christian song ‘Abide with me’ has been played at the end of the Republic Day celebration. It was a favourite song of Mahatma Gandhi’s.
• On this day, the President bestows numerous honours, including the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Veer Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, National Bravery Awards for Children, and Kirti Chakra.
• The Indian Constitution is the longest of all the constitutions in existence. It comprised 395 articles and 8 schedules in 22 parts when it was first published. It now comprises 448 items in 25 segments, with 12 schedules. The whole constitution was drafted in roughly 35 months by a team led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

On January 24, 1950, 308 parliament members signed the constitution, which was drafted in Hindi and English and became official two days later.

• Our Constitution was not printed rather it was calligraphed.
• The charkha (spinning wheel) on the tricolour Indian flag was later replaced with the chakra with 24 spokes, which represents the 24 hours of the day. The chakra is based on Ashoka’s Lion Capital, which represents the concepts of ‘law and dharma.’ On the flag, the saffron stripe represents sacrifice and courage, the white stripe represents purity and honesty, and the green stripe represents wealth.
• Every year, the Prime Minister, President, or ruler of any country is invited to the parade on January 26th. On January 26, 1950, the first parade was organised, with Indonesian President Dr Sukarno as a special guest. In 1955, Pakistan’s Governor-General, Malik Ghulam Mohammad, was invited to the first parade at Rajpath.
• The gun salute is fired simultaneously with the playing of the National Anthem, which is a unique characteristic. At the start of the National Anthem, the first shot is fired, and the last shot is fired 52 seconds later. Built in 1941, these cannons are utilized in all of the army’s formal programmes.
• The parade participants start getting ready at 2 a.m. and arrive at the Rajpath by 3 a.m. The parade’s preparations, on the other hand, begin in July of the previous year, when all of the participants are formally informed of their participation. They will practise parades at their regimental centres until August and will arrive in Delhi in December. The participants had already put in 600 hours of practice before playing in front of an audience on the 26th.
• Each group travels a total distance of 12 kilometres in preparation for the march on January 26th, but just 9 kilometres on parade day. Judges are stationed along the parade route, evaluating each marching group on 200 different criteria and awarded the title of “Best Marching Group” based on their findings.

The celebration of our superiority on Republic Day is a crucial milestone in India’s history. Let us take a moment to appreciate the great constitution of our country. SpeedLabs sends its best wishes to all Indians on Republic Day!

Also published on Medium.