New Delhi: India did not have a constitution when it achieved Independence from the British empire on August 15, 1947. Thereafter, India framed and adopted the constitution on November 26, 1949 which officially came into effect on 26 January 1950.
The Indian constitution was crafted by prominent leaders like Dr BR Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad, B.N. Rau and many others. Since then, the day has been marked as national pride, and it is celebrated every year as Republic Day on January 26.
Republic Day commemorates citizens of India with the power to choose their government, and this day is a national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Indian constitution.
Here are some interesting and lesser known facts about Republic Day:
- On January 26, 1950, India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, unfurled the country
‘s flag. The inaugural Republic Day parade was held in 1950 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, which had previously been known as Irwin Amphitheatre. - On January 24, 1950, only the first stanza of the hymn Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata was adopted as India’s National Anthem, which is sung during Republic Day celebrations.
- The preparation of Republic Day begins almost a year before, usually in the month of July. The participants practice for almost 600 hours for the Republic Day celebration event.
- Each Indian Army personnel who participates in the Republic Day celebration has to go through multiple levels of investigation. The arms and weapons are diligently checked to avoid any possible errors.
- During the Republic Day celebration event of India, a few gunshots are fired in air. The gunshots are synchronised with the timing of the national anthem. The first gunshot is fired at the beginning of the national anthem and the next one is fired after 52 seconds.
- The Beating Retreat ceremony is held every year on 29 January, and has its roots in a 1600s custom.
- Rajpath, the venue for Republic Day Parade since January 26, 1955 was earlier known as Kingsway, Rajpath is currently known as Kartavya Path.