Republic Day

India celebrates January 26th every year as the Republic Day with zeal and pride all across the nation. Hoisting of the tri-colour and colorful parades at all administrative units such as the capital cities and district headquarters mark the celebration on this day. The major ceremonies are held in New Delhi and the state capitals. On this day in 1950, the India’s constitution came into force and it became a sovereign, democratic and republic state.

In the country’s capital New Delhi, main celebrations are organized in the form of a majestic parade showcasing the country's military might and cultural diversity. The parade covers an eight-km route, starting from the Rashtrapati Bhavan through the picturesque Rajpath down to India Gate before winding up at the historic Red Fort.

The parade consists of mechanised, mounted and marching contingents of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Paramilitary forces and Police. After the march past, models of lethal fighter jets, missiles and battle tanks are displayed. Then the cultural extravaganza consisting of floats are presented by various States. The cultural exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in different States and the music and songs of that particular State accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the Indian culture and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion.

The events of the day begin with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in memory of the martyrs and soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. He then drives up to the central enclosure and awaits the arrival of the President and the Chief Guest of the occasion who is generally a Head of another country.

On his arrival, the President meets the dignitaries present there and unfurls the national flag. After this, the national anthem is played with a 21-gun salute to the national flag. Then, in a brief investiture ceremony, the President presents India's top gallantry awards, the Param Veer Chakra, the Veer Chakra and the Maha Veer Chakra to outstanding soldiers from the defence services.

After that, four helicopters fly past the parade area showering rose petals on the audience. Each chopper carries a flag - the first being the National flag and the other three, the flags of the Army, the Navy, and the Indian Air Force. The march past begins immediately after the fly past.

Children also take part in the celebrations a big way in their respective schools all over the country. Three days after the Republic Day parade, a moving ceremony known as "Beating Retreat" is held at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations.