Are you fortunate enough to be a part of the grand Republic Day festivity and celebration in India, on the 26th of January every year? If not, make it happen for this time on the 62nd Republic Day of India! Wish You a Happy Republic Day!
26th January has been very significant for India and its people. It was on this day of the year 1930 that for the first time the very prestigious Indian Flag was unfurled by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru at Lahore along with the declaration of the independent, sovereign Indian National Congress. Further on 26th January of 1950, the Constitution of India came into existence and India became a sovereign and republic country. Again on this very day of the year 1965, the language “Hindi” was announced as India’s official language. So 26th January that is the Republic Day of India has many memories attached to it. Hence the day is celebrated in every corner of India and specially the capital city of the country New Delhi, with utmost fervor and excitement.
New Delhi happens to be the place where most of the grand and important republic day celebrations are organized. Other than that, flag hoisting and other events are also held at various educational institutes, state capitals, important towns and cities, government buildings and many corporate firms as well.
Republic Day Celebrations in India
The Republic Day celebrations in India commences every year with the Prime Minister of India laying a circular garland at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial, Delhi, in memory of the Indian martyrs and thereby pay homage to them.
Soon after this the national flag hoisting ceremony takes place wherein the President of India unfurls the national flag of India or the “Tiranga” and the National Anthem of India is played. Then a 21-gun salute takes place.
Following this comes the much eagerly awaited Republic Day Parade is held. On this occasion, a dignitary from a foreign nation is usually is invited as the Chief Guest, who accompanies the President of India on the Republic Day. This year in 2011, the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be accompanying the President as the Chief Guest.
The different regiments of the Indian Navy, Indian Army and the Indian Air Force leads the Republic Day Parade and salutes the President who happens to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Following the regiments, are the regiments of different states in India and the various parliamentary units.
The winners of the India gallantry awards that include both the members of police, armed forces etc and the civilians pass the President in open jeeps. They are also honored with medals and awards for their bravery and efficiency in different fields.
The other events and celebration o the 26th of January includes march-pasts with wonderful tableaux displaying the unique variety of India amidst rich diversity, its culture and heritage, folk dances by children, defying stunts on the motorcycles by Border Security Force (BSF) members. The fighter jets of the Indian Airforce also displays streaking colors of our Tricolor and scatters rose petals on the people who have gathered for the celebrations.
From 26th January to 29th January, the government buildings are all lit up on the occasion of the Republic Day!
Beating the Retreat, New Delhi
The Beating the Retreat ceremony marks the closing ceremony of the much-awaited Republic Day in India. On 29th of January, near the Vijay Chowk, a large group of band plays various musical instruments and march in different formations, playing famous tunes. The group comprises of bands from the Navy, Army and Air Force. A solo performance by a drummer known the Drummer’s Call is the major highlight. At 6 pm, the buglers sound the retreat. The bandmaster then seeks permission from the President for leading away the bands. The bands then retreat thereby playing the famous patriotic tune, Saare Jahan Se Achcha. Following this the Tricolor of India is lowered, and the National Anthem is sung. Thus the republic Day celebrations come to a formal end.
Other Events at the Republic Day of India
- 27th January 2011: Prime Minister’s Rally at New Delhi where the N.C.C. cadets display various skills
- 24th January to 29th January 2011: “Lok Tarang” the popular national folk dance festival is held by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with the various Zonal Cultural Centers in India. Fold dances from different parts of India are showcased on this day
