India – the world largest democracy – celebrates its Republic Day on January 26, which marks the day the Constitution of India came into effect. While it was on November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the constitution, it came into force two months later, on January 26, 1950. Hence, this year, India marks its 71st Republic Day.
What happens on this day On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country’s rich cultural heritage and military prowess.
The parade begins with winners of gallantry awards saluting the President in open military jeeps, followed by the display of various tanks, missiles and other equipment added to the arsenal of the military. After this, is the march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute.
This is followed by a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different States and cultural dances by patriotic school children. Children who have won National Bravery Awards ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants. About the Republic Day 2020 Parade This year the chief guest is Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, whom PM Modi invited on the sidelines of 11th BRICS Summit held in Brasilia last year. This year the parade will showcase 22 tableau, with the National Disaster Response Force (established in 2006), participating for the first time.
Beating Retreat Ceremony – January 29 The ceremony at the Vijay Chowk on January 29, every year marks the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony traces its origin to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands. Martyrs Day – January 30 January 30, is marked as Martyrs Day, to honour and pay homage to the martyrs who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom, welfare and progress of India. It was on January 30, 1948, when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. And, since then every year the nation pays homage to the Mahatma and other martyrs on this day.
-TIN Bureau