​26 January 2023: Republic Day of India

January 26 has been celebrated as Indian Republic Day every year since 1950. On January 26, 2023, India will celebrate its 74th Republic Day. Republic Day, also known as Gantantra Diwas, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country including schools, colleges, and government and private institutions to honour the Constitution that came into force on January 26, 1950.

Every year, the main Gantantra Diwas celebration is held at the Kartavya Path (earlier Rajpath) in the national capital, New Delhi on January 26. On this day, an elaborate Republic Day parade takes place each year with participation from the Indian Army, and Indian Navy, as well as the Indian Air Force. Anyone can watch it live on TV or can watch the ceremony in person in Delhi.

What is the History of Indian Republic Day?

Republic Day commemorates the enactment of the constitution of India, which occurred on January 26, 1950. India achieved independence from Britain on August 15, 1947 (which is celebrated as Independence Day), but for its first three years, the country remained governed largely by the colonial Government of India Act of 1935.

Shortly after independence was declared, a constituent assembly elected by provincial assemblies went about drafting a constitution that would govern the newly independent nation. After more than two years, the constitution of India was completed and solidified the establishment of India’s independent democratic government. January 26 was chosen as the official enactment date as a nod to the Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) declaration of independence by the Indian National Congress in 1930 — considered the first concrete step toward independence from Britain.

With the 1950 constitution, the country was officially known as the Republic of India — a “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic” that “secures all its citizen’s justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity,” according to its preamble.

How is India's Republic Day Celebrated?

The main event for the holiday is a massive parade held in the capital of New Delhi, which includes cultural, historical, and military displays. The parade is preceded by the prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti — an arched war memorial — and taking a moment of silence to commemorate fallen soldiers.

Smaller parades, cultural programs, public celebrations, and private parties take place throughout the country, as most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. The festivities officially come to a close on January 29 with the Beating Retreat Ceremony in New Delhi, where bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force perform.

What are the events at the Republic Day Parade?

The main event of the four-day celebration is the Republic Day Parade held on the Kartavya Path (ceremonial highway) in New Delhi in front of the President of India. Each state in India has begun to hold similar parades to commemorate this event.

The celebration begins with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the India Gate commemorating all the people in the armed forces who have given their lives for the country. Once the wreath is laid, there is a 21-gun salute followed by the singing of the national anthem. Honour awards are then bestowed upon certain members of the military and population for acts of bravery and gallantry. Once this has been completed, the parade begins.

The parade is a grand event and a Head of State from another country is always invited to watch the parade with the president. This military is showcased during the parade as well as cultural displays from all around India.

When the parade begins, those who have received the awards of honour are driven past the president to be saluted for their service to India. A helicopter brigade, at the same time, flies over the Gate of India and showers the crowd with rose petals. Members of the military march in the parade, dance troupes perform and sing, and at the same time, fighter jets fly overhead streaming the three colours of the flag as smoke trails behind them. The parade always ends with members of the military performing daredevil tricks on motorcycles.

Other Significant Events During Republic Day

Once the parades are over, there are several other significant events that take place during the three-day celebration. Some of these events include:

• The Prime Minister Rally in New Delhi consists of music, dancing, and other forms of entertainment that are based on the cultural significance of India.
• Lok Tarang National Dance Festival. This festival starts on January 24th and lasts through the last day of celebrations for Republic Day. This festival celebrates the culturally diverse dance styles of India.
• State Performances. Each state in India has culturally based celebrations during the Republic Day celebrations. These often include performances by school children and local dance troupes and performers.

Beating Retreat Ceremony

The Beating Retreat is conducted every year on January 29 at Vijay Chowk to mark the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.

Origins of the Beating Retreat

Beating Retreat is a centuries-old military tradition going back to the days when troops disengaged from battle at sunset. According to the website of the Royal Irish Virtual Military Gallery, orders from James II’s army, dated June 18, 1690, directed drums to beat a retreat at night and, in 1694, William III’s army also ordered this:“The Drum Major and Drummers of the Regiment which gives a Captain of the Main Guard are to beat the Retreat through the large street, or as may be ordered. They are to be answered by all the Drummers of the guards, and by four Drummers of each Regiment in their respective Quarters.”

Beating Retreat Ceremony in India

The Beating Retreat Ceremony was first started in the 1950’s when Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited India for the first time after India attained Independence from the British. The idea was conceived by Major G.A.Roberts, an officer in the Grenadiers Regiment, which is an infantry regiment in the Indian Army. It was conceived by Major G.A.Roberts after he was directed by the First Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru to mark the arrival of Elizabeth II and Prince Phillips with a creative and spectacular event.

Beating Retreating ceremony is performed by the pipe band of Indian Army; massed bands of Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Army.From 2016, even the bands of Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) performed in the Beating Retreating Ceremony.

Beating Retreat Ceremony in India – Order of Ceremony

The Chief Guest of the Beating Retreat Ceremony is the President of India.After the salute is given by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), Indian National anthem will be played by the Massed Bands, with the simultaneous unfurling of the national flag of India.This is followed by the massed bands of tri services, marching in intricate and beautiful patterns while playing many popular tunes.The combined bands of Air Force and Navy are the last bands to perform At the end of the Beating Retreat Ceremony, the national flag is lowered.Once the President leaves the ceremony, there will be a short display of fireworks.