What is Republic Day? Why is it celebrated? Let’s find out.
Intro
Republic Day (Gantantra Divas) is a federal holiday celebrated in India to celebrate the enactment of the current constitution of the Republic of India. It is celebrated on January 26 of every year.
History
When India gained independence, it had two heads: a head of government and a head of state. The head of government was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, a native Indian, but the head of state was still the monarch of the U.K., King George VI. Wanting the British to not be in the new government, the government created a new constitution, and it took effect on January 26, 1950. The queen was no longer the head of state, and was replaced by the position of president. This day is remembered as the first Republic Day.
Celebration
The day before Republic Day, an awards ceremony is held to distribute three awards: the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Shri. These are the second, third, and fourth highest honors that a civilian can get, respectively. Then, on Republic Day, a big parade is held on the Kartavya Path, a famous road located in the capital of New Delhi.
Fun Facts
January 26, 2024 marks India’s 75th Republic Day.
Every year, a head official from another country will be invited as a guest to the parade.
Preparations for the parade start in July of the previous year!
Republic Day is a federal holiday, meaning most of the populace gets a holiday from school/work.
We hope everyone celebrating has a great Indian Republic Day!
Sorry, guys, for writing and publishing so late. Next time, I'll try not to be as late.