As Indians, we all know that the 26th of January is celebrated as ‘Republic Day’ every year. India became a liberal country on 15th August 1947 but the Constitution of India was implemented on 26th January 1950. This day holds an important place in every Indian’s heart. The President of India unfurls the National Flag or the Tricolor at the Kartavya Path, formerly known as the Rajpath, at the national capital of India, Delhi. India will be honoring the 74th Republic Day this year with great enthusiasm and fervor. There are several events that take place every year on the eve of Republic Day. Among them is the Parade which is one of the most captivating events of the Republic Day of India. Following are some of the interesting facts about the Parade of India that is being performed on the Republic Day at the national capital of India, Delhi:

 

As history and civics are major components of the Indian school curriculum, we are taught about our struggle for freedom, independence, the creation and acceptance of the Indian Constitution, and our government.

Here are some Interesting Republic Day Parade Facts that will undoubtedly enlighten you.

• The parade is held every year on January 26th at Rajpath in New Delhi, but from 1950 to 1954, Rajpath was not the event’s organizational center. Throughout these years, the 26th January parade was held at Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium), Kingsway, Red Fort, and Ramleela Maidan, respectively. The 26th January parade has been held on Rajpath every year since AD 1955. Rajpath was known as ‘Kingsway’ at the time.
• 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 organized, with Indonesian President Dr. Sukarno as a special guest. In 1955, Malik Ghulam Mohammad, Pakistan’s Governor-General, was invited to the first parade at Rajpath.
• The parade begins on January 26th with the President’s entry. The President’s cavalier bodyguards salute the National Flag first, then the National Anthem is played and 21 guns are fired. However, 21 canons aren’t actually utilized to fire. Instead, three rounds are fired from the Indian army’s 7 cannons, known as “25- Ponders.”
• 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 programs.
• Participants in the parade begin preparing at 2 a.m. and converge 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 practice parades at their regimental centers until August and arrive in Delhi in December. The participants are trained for 600 hours before performing in front of the audience on January 26th.
• A specialized camp near the India Gate houses all of India’s tanks, armored vehicles, and advanced equipment. Usually, the inquiry process for each Cannon, as well as the whitewashing task, is done in ten phases, but it could be different this time.
• Every activity in the parade event on January 26th is methodically organized from start to finish.
• Every member of the army who takes part in the parade is subjected to four stages of inspection. Apart from that, their weapons are thoroughly inspected to ensure that no live bullets are present.
• Judges are stationed along the parade route, rating each marching group on 200 different criteria and awarded the title of “Best Marching Group” based on their findings.
• The “flypast” is the event’s most exciting feature. The “flypast,” which features around 41 aircraft, is supervised by the Western Airforce Command.

What is the timing of the parade in India?

Republic Day Parade 2022: Time
The Republic Day Parade ceremony at Rajpath will start at 10:30 am, instead of the earlier time of 10 am. The parade has been delayed by 30 minutes to provide better visibility of the parade and flypast.

Why do we do parades in India?

For Indians, the parade was primarily a symbolic affair that reinforced their identity as part of a powerful republic, says historian Srinath Raghavan.

What is the purpose of holding the Republic Day parade every year?

Every year, Republic Day is celebrated with the armed forces holding a parade in honour of the day alongside a plethora of cultural performances. The parade also showcases massive tableaux, a group of figures or models displaying a scene or story from history that depicts diverse Indian culture.

What are the benefits of a parade?

Other Benefits of Carnivals and Parades: Creating a platform for socialization. There are a great many people that don’t get the opportunity to socialize. Being able to attend carnivals and parades is a way that gets them out of the house for a day. They don’t need to make any long-term commitments.

Why is National Day Parade important?

Collection of National Museum of Singapore.) The National Day Parade (NDP) is an annual celebration of Singapore’s independence. It is also a platform for Singaporeans from all walks of life to come together to celebrate the nation’s milestones and achievements while rallying ourselves in preparation for the future.

Who takes the salute?

The president of India who is the commander in chief of Indian armed forces takes the salute at the grand parade on Republic Day.

What is the Republic Day parade called?

The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath (officially named ‘Kartavya Path’), before the President of India. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity, and its rich cultural heritage.

What happens in the Republic Day parade?

It opens with the unfurling of the national flag by the President of India. This is followed by marching from several regiments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with their bands. Tableaux from various states signifying their cultures are displayed. A beating retreat ceremony signifies the end of the parade.

Where does the Republic Day parade start and end?

The Republic Day Parade takes place along Rajpath in Delhi. Its route is more than five kilometers long. The parade sets out from Raisina Hill near Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace) and follows Rajpath past India Gate to the Red Fort.

When and where is the Republic Day parade held?

Republic Day 2023: Indian defence forces conduct a rehearsal parade at Vijay Chowk, every year.

Let present some interesting facts about Republic Day of India that you should educate your child about.

1. Handwritten Constitution

Let us initiate the 10 points on republic day on an exciting note. Did you know that the Constitution of India is calligraphed/ handwritten and not printed? In fact, it has two copies in both Hindi and English Language. The original calligraphed constitution is still preserved in the Parliament of India.

2. Duration to Finalize the Constitution

It is interesting to know that the Constitution of India came into existence on January 26, 1950, after 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days. The Constitution of India is the world’s largest democracy right now.

3. Official Time of Legal Circulation

The Constitution of India officially came into existence on January 26, 1950, at 10:18 AM.

4. First Tenure as President of India

On January 26, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad officially began his tenure as the First President of Democratic India at the Durbar Hall of the government house.

5. First Parade at Rajpath

The first parade of Republic Day in 1955 was held at Rajpath. Mr. Malik Gulam Mohammed, the first Governor-General of Pakistan was invited as the first chief guest at the parade.

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6. Architect of the Constitution of India

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is known as the Architect of the Constitution of India as he played a pivotal role in drafting the constitutional policies. He was also the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and became the First Minister of Law and Justice post-Independence.

7. “Abide with me”

It is a thrilling Republic Day fact that the Republic Celebrations actually last for 3 days and officially end on January 29 with a Beating Retreat ceremony. 

The song played each year during the Beating Retreat is known as “Abide with me” which is also known to be Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite song. It is actually a Christian hymn written by 19th-century Scottish poet Henry Francis Lyte and composed by William Henry Monk. 

8. Purna Swaraj Diwas

Republic Day also marks the significance of Purna Swaraj Diwas, also known as the Declaration of Indian Independence Day, which was last celebrated in the year 1930 to defy British colonial rule.

9. Address by the President

On Independence Day, the nation is addressed by the Prime Minister of India whereas, on January 26, Republic Day, the nation is addressed by the President of India each year.

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10. Prestigious Award Ceremony

On Republic Day, bravery awards like Ashoka Chakra, Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, and Kirti Chakra are awarded to deserving candidates as part of the celebrations during the Republic Day Parade.

We are sure you enjoyed knowing about these interesting facts on Republic Day celebrated on January 26. Witness the Republic Day 2023 celebrations this year at GIIS with great keenness.

 

Interesting Facts about Republic Day of India

Here we have provided some interesting and knowledgeable facts about Republic Day of India, so enhance your courage to see this year republic day celebration by knowing such facts:

• Indian Constitution came into effect (officially into a legal circulation) on 26^th of January in 1950, at 10:18 am after which India became a Republic country.
• Indian Constitution came into effect especially on 26^th of January because 26^th of January, 1930 is an anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day.
• The Constitution of India is the longest written Constitution all over the world (which cannot be read in a single day); it has incorporated “448 Articles in 22 Parts, 12 Schedules and 97 Amendments”.
• Indian Constitution is written by the Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar). He is known as the father of Indian Constitution.
• The Constitution of India took around 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to be completed.
• Two copies of the Indian Constitution were hand-written, one in English and one in Hindi.
• Both hand-written copies of the Indian Constitution were signed on 24^th of January in 1950 by around 308 members of the Assembly.
• Both of the originally hand-written Indian Constitution copies are kept safely in the helium-filled cases at the Library of Parliament House.
• After inception of the Indian Constitution, around 94 amendments (alterations) have been done.
• Satyamev Jayate (one of the biggest Indian motto) is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, Atharvaveda. It was first translated in Hindi language by the Abid Ali in 1911.
• It was Madan Mohan Malviya who had selected the Indian motto of Satyamev Jayate.
• Jana Gana Mana (National Anthem) was written first in Bengali language by the Rabindranath Tagore.
• Jana Gana Mana (National Anthem) was first translated into Hindi language by the Abid Ali in 1911 which was later officially adopted as National Anthem of India in 1950 on 24^th of January.
• The lyrics and music of Indian national anthem was given by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911.

• National Anthem of India was first sung in the meeting of Indian National Congress, Calcutta on 27^th of December, 1911.
• National Anthem of India takes 52 seconds to sing or play.
• The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath (at Durbar Hall of government house) first time on 26^th of January in 1950.
• 21-gun salutes are given every year when the President of India hoists the national flag on republic Day to mark the honour.
• Republic Day celebration of India lasts after three days by singing the song ‘Abide by Me’ (it is a most popular tune and favourite of Mahatma Gandhi, a Christian hymn) during the Beating Retreat.
• Beating Retreat ceremony is held on 29^th of January at Vijay Chowk with the performance of Indian Army, Air Force and Navy bands. It marks the end of Republic Day celebrations in India.
• Indian Constitution is only calligraphed and not printed and only 1000 copies are written till date.
• There is rule that the President of country would address on the Republic Day whereas the Prime Minister of the country would address on the Independence Day.
• A garland is placed at Amar Jawan Jyoti at every national occasion by the Prime Minister to pay tribute to the brave soldiers of India who had sacrificed their lives in fighting for the Indian Independence.
• Republic day of India is a great when all the deserving candidates are honoured with bravery awards such as Param Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Veer Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Ashoka Chakra.
• President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first chief guest at the first Republic Day Celebration of India on 26^th of January, 1950.
• Malik Gulam Mohammed (first governor general of Pakistan) was the first chief guest of the Rajpath parade in 1955 (Republic Day Parade was started first time).
• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedakar was the chairman of Indian constitution draft committee.

• The idea of division of power between union and state has been taken from Canadian constitution, fundamental duty from Soviet Union, directorial elements from constitution of Ireland, republican administration system from French constitution and the emergency carriage system from Germany constitution.
• The Preamble of Indian Constitution has been inspired by the preamble of USA which also states “We the people…”.
• The custom of offering the gallantry awards to the children was started by the government of India in 1957 for bravery achievements of children in different fields on the republic day.
• 26^th of January was decided to be celebrated every year as the “Swaraj Diwas” in 1950.
• Prior to 1955, Republic Day of India were not celebrated on Rajpath prior to 1955.
• Prior to 1955 (until 1954), the Indian republic day celebrations were performed on the “Kingsway”, “Lal Kila”, and “Ramlila Ground”.
• The chief guest on republic day celebration, 1961 was Queen Elizabeth from Britain.
• On 26^th of January in 1965 Hindi language was declared as our national language of India.
• On 26^th January, 1950, the Lion of Ashoka at Sarnath was chosen as the National Emblem of India.
• Vande Mataram was adopted on 24^th January 1950 as the National Song of India. The song is taken from the poem of the patriotic novel ‘Anandmath’ written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Only the two verses of the poem have been adopted as the national song of India.
• Every year on the Republic Day eve the Rashtrapati Bhawan gets illuminated by electronic lightings and recently the building has been illuminated with dynamic façade lightings which change its color every few seconds to 1.6 crore colour combinations.
• It was raining on the day the constitution was being signed which most people considered as a good luck for the country.
• Constitution of India is considered as one of the best constitutions in the world since there have been only 102 amendments till 2018 which makes it as one of the robust constitutions.

• Constitution of India Interesting Facts: India will celebrate its 74th Republic Day on Thursday. The Constitution of India came into force on this day in the year 1950.
• Every year, the national holiday is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm across the country. A grand parade is organized on the Kartavya Path of Delhi on January 26 to showcase the country’s progress and achievements along with military and cultural heritage.
• The head of another country is invited as the chief guest of the event every year. This year’s chief guest is the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. 
• On the occasion of India’s 74th Republic Day, here are 5 interesting facts related to the Constitution of our country:
• – The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949, but it came into force on January 26, 1950. This is because on 26 January 1930 (before independence), the proposal of ‘Complete Swaraj’ came into force and the tricolor was hoisted. This made the date significant for the freedom fighters. And to honour this date, the constitution of the country was implemented on 26 January 1950 and the day was declared as Republic Day.
• – The constitution of our country is the largest constitution in the world. It consists of a Preamble, 22 Parts with 448 Articles, 12 Schedules, 5 Appendices and a total of 1.46 lakh words.
• – One interesting fact about our Constitution is that it was hand-written in 2 years 11 months and 18 days. Although, Bhimrao Ambedkar is considered the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’, but the writing was done by calligraphist Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada. Also, he did not charge a single penny for writing the constitution.
• – An original copy of the Constitution of India is kept in the Central Library of Gwalior. This copy has the signatures of the members of the Constituent Assembly, including the first President Dr Rajendra Prasad and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
• – The Constitution of India is also called the ‘Bag of Borrowings’ as it has borrowed many provisions from more than 60 constitutions of different countries. The Constitution included the laws and rights of countries like America, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and others.