1 / 10Republic Day in India is a momentous occasion that commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India. Celebrated annually on January 26, the day holds great significance in the hearts of millions of Indians. The Republic Day Parade, held in the capital city of New Delhi, is a grand spectacle that showcases the country's rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and unity in diversity. Here are some interesting facts about the iconic event. (Image: AP)
2 / 10Why do we celebrate Republic Day on January 26? Republic Day commemorates the enactment of the Constitution of India. January 26 was specifically chosen as the ‘date of commencement’ of the Constitution because it was on this day in 1930 that Purna Swaraj Day was celebrated. On January 26 1950, the Constitution replaced the British Colonial Government of India Act (1935) as the official governing text of the country. (Image: PTI)
3 / 10How long do Republic Day celebrations last? Prior to 2022, the Indian Republic Day celebrations used to begin on January 24. In 2022, the government changed the start date to January 23 to include the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as part of the celebrations. The Beating Retreat Ceremony is held on January 29 and marks the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations. (Image: PTI)
4 / 10What is beating retreat ceremony? The Beating Retreat ceremony features military music and marching bands from the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, takes the salute. The tradition of Beating Retreat traces back to the early stages of organised warfare, where the beating of drums and the procession of Post Guards marked the conclusion of the day. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 10Where is the Republic Day Parade held? Between 1950 and 1954, the parade was held at Irwin stadium (now National Stadium), Kingsway (now Kartavya Path), Red Fort, and Ramlila grounds. Since 1955, the parade has been traditionally held at Rajpath (now renamed Kartavya Path). (Image: PTI)
6 / 10Who was the first Republic Day chief guest? On 26 January 1950, Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest on the very first Republic Day parade of India. In 1955 when the first parade was held at Rajpath, Malik Ghulam Mohammad, Governor-General of Pakistan, became the first person from Pakistan to attend the Republic Day Parade in India. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
7 / 10What is the 21-Gun Salute on Republic Day? The 21-Gun Salute is a traditional ceremonial honour accorded to the President of India. The time of the gun salute firing matches the length of the National Anthem. The first firing occurs at the start of the National Anthem and the last firing occurs right after 52 seconds. The salute is executed with blank rounds to simulate the sound of firing, rather than using live shells. During the 21-Gun Salute, firing is not done with 21 canons. Instead, three rounds are fired with seven canons. In 2023, the vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns, which traditionally fired the 21-Gun Salute during the Republic Day celebrations, were replaced by indigenous 105 mm field guns. The 25-pounder guns were made in 1941 by the British. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
8 / 10The first Republic Day | Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, unfurled the national flag on January 26, 1950, marking the birth of the Indian Republic. The first Republic Day parade occurred in 1950 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, formerly named the Irwin Amphitheatre. The event featured the participation of more than 100 aircraft and 3,000 personnel from the Indian military. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
9 / 10Republic Day 2024: Theme | ‘India - Mother of Democracy’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest this year. He is the sixth leader from France to grace the prestigious annual extravaganza. A total of 25 tableaux – 16 States/UTs and nine Ministries/Departments – will roll down the Kartavya Path during the parade. In the Fly-past, one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft of the French Air Force will participate along with the Indian Air Force aircraft. (Image: Reuters)
10 / 10Republic Day 2024 – Focus on women | The 2024 Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path will be women-centric. The parade will be heralded by 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. An all-women Tri-Service contingent will march down Kartavya Path for the first time.
