Republic Day is an official holiday in India and it is celebrated on the 26th of January by all Indian states and union territories to commemorate the date on which the Indian constitution came into force. The day is celebrated with much fanfare and grandeur all over India.
Why Do We Celebrate Republic Day?
Every year on January 26, India celebrates Republic day with utmost pride and zeal. The day brings a unique emotion of patriotism to every Indian citizen as we commemorate how our constitution came into effect. Republic Day occupies significant importance in Indian history as India became truly independent and became a democratic republic nation.
India got its independence in 1947 from British Rule. However, there was a lack of a substantial constitutional system and political experts who would run state affairs seamlessly. Hence, Dr. B R Ambedkar led a constitutional drafting committee post-Independence Day in August 1947.
He ensured to jot down all the fundamental policies and present them to the Constituent Assembly in November 1947 to build a robust system. However, the entire process took approximately 165 days to complete.
While the first session of the Indian Parliament was conducted on January 26, 1950, it was the same day India became a secular, sovereign, socialist, and democratic republic country. Republic Days mark the official end of British Rule and the commencement of India as a Republic State.
Every Indian citizen begins Republic Day celebrations with the Republic Day Parade portraying the spirit of the Indian Army and the diverse culture of different Indian states. It evokes patriotism in each heart with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.
The parade takes place in a lot of cities but the official Parade happens in Delhi that is telecasted live on every household television. Students from various schools participate in this parade and showcase their state culture.
The president of India hoists the national flag followed by 21 guns salute and the national anthem played by the band. It is a wonderful feeling as the entire nation comes together as a whole.
What Can We Teach Children on Republic Day?
But how do we educate our kids about these unknown facts about Republic day?
It is high time when we stop telling our children that “Today is Republic Day and that’s why it’s your holiday or you do not have to go to school.” It is time to tell them about the meaning of the Republic and why we celebrate Republic Day each year with equal fervor and joy.
Teach them about the importance of national holidays and how they can honor their nation in the best way possible. Educate them about the eminence of the National Anthem and its meaning.
Tell them about the sacrifices that our real heroes made for our country so that we can live the free life we are leading today. Let your children understand and thereby pledge that they would now let the sacrifices of our national heroes go in vain and they would make their country proud just like they did.
Global Indian International School is an international public school that emphasizes the importance of national festivals among children.
Is it 73rd or 74thRepublic Day in 2023?
January 26, 2022, will witness the 73rd year of India as a democratic republic country. All the schools across India will celebrate the day with zest.
Global Indian International School is the best preschool in Noida that prepares students to celebrate the spirit of freedom with unique and amazing performances.
On republic day, kids perform various interesting activities. From marching past to cultural songs and folk dances, the school celebrates the day with immense love and joy.
GIIS motivates the students to stand united and represent their nation on international platforms with utmost pride. The entire zeal of the school is worth watching on this day.
Here are 10 Interesting Facts About 26th January Republic Day
Let us present to you 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.
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.
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.
