Republic Day 2018: Significance And Celebrations of Republic Day in India
Significance
Though India became independent on 15 August 1947 the country didn’t have permanent constitution and Government of India act 1935 was used back then. After few days of independence, that’s on 28 August 1947, the drafting committee was set up to create a new and permanent constitution and the same was headed by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. The constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 for the whole nation. And that’s why Indians celebrate Republic day on January 26 and on this day India became independent republic country replacing the Government of India Act, 1935.
As per the Constitution of India, “It declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens of justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavors to promote fraternity among them.” As the people adopt the Indian constitution, it can never be upturned by parliamentary supremacy. The day was also chosen as Republic day as on this day in 1930 Declaration of Indian independence that’s Purna Swaraj was proclaimed by Indian national congress.
Celebrations
The national holiday is celebrated great zeal and enthusiasm. On Republic day, people celebrate the same by hoisting the National flag and many events are conducted in schools and other educational institutes. Many also watch the hoisting of tricolor by President of India at the India Gate and ceremonious parade a well. The main celebrations are held in the national capital at the Rajpath. The parades are performed as a tribute to India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Most of the governmental buildings are lightened for the entire week in NCR area and a national holiday is observed nationwide. The celebrations for this patriotic day vary as per region. Also, many housing societies organize flag hoisting events followed by sweet distribution to celebrate the day. Beating Retreat ceremony is also held after all the celebrations.
It is conducted on the evening of January 29, that’s the third day after the Republic day. The Beating Retreat ceremony is performed by the bands of the Indian army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Several patriotic songs like Sare Jahan se Acha, Ae mere watan ke logo and many others songs and tunes are played on this day. This year the celebrations of Republic day will be a great affair as not one but ten ASEAN nations will be present to witness the Republic day parade.
