Gantantra Diwas: 73rd Republic Day Celebration in India, History & Significance

Suvarna C.

3 years ago

Why Do We Celebrate Republic Day? गणतंत्र दिवस क्यों मनाया जाता है?

January 26 is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This day is referred to as Gantantra Diwas or Republic Day in India. To celebrate this day, magnificent parades are organized by regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Paramilitary forces in New Delhi, India. States from all over India showcase their culture, uniqueness with beautiful tableaux.

Let us learn more about the history and significance of Republic Day in India and latest updates about Republic Day celebration 2022.

Gantantra Diwas: Significance

This day marks the day that the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. After gaining independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, India adopted the constitution on January 26, 1950.

January 26 was chosen for this adoption because in 1930, the Declaration of the Independence of India or Purna Swaraj was proclaimed by the Indian Freedom Fighters.

Gantantra Diwas: Latest Update

On January 21, 2022, the Amar Jawan Jyoti Flame at India Gate was merged with the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was established in 1971. The War Memorial was inaugurated in 2019.
To honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s 125th Birth Anniversary, it has been announced that Republic Day celebrations will now commence from January 23 every year. Earlier, they commenced on January 24.

How Do We Celebrate Republic Day in India?

Republic Day is an official holiday in India.
Firstly, the Prime Minister of India, lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti followed by a moment of silent for our fallen heroes. This is followed by the parade.
The Republic Day Parade is the major draw of the entire Republic Day Celebration. The parade is held in New Delhi.
The parade includes cultural, historical, and military displays from various regiments and divisions of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Parade also includes marching bands and a display of various arts and skills.
Other minor cultural programs with public participation are also conducted.
The celebration events are finally concluded with a Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29.

The Constitution of India

The Republic Day is celebrated to observe the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Therefore, let us learn more about the Constitution of India.

When Was the Indian Constitution Adopted?

The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949. However, it formally came into force the next year, on January 26, 1950.

What was the Constituent Assembly of India?

The Constituent Assembly of India was a committee elected to draft the Constitution of India.

Who Wrote the Indian Constitution?

Well, Prem Behari Narain Raizada has written the original or the first copy of the constitution by hand in a flowing italic style with beautiful calligraphy.

Prem Behari Narain Raizada’s handwritten versions of the constitution (Hindi and English) are stored and kept in special helium-filled cases in the Library of the Parliament of India.

Read Here in detail about the Constitution of India

Republic Day Celebration: Highlights

The Republic Day parade will be held on the revamped Rajpath. The Rajpath was renovated as a part of the Central Vista project.
This year, Republic day celebration will be different from usual due to COVID-19 protocols.
There will be no foreign Head of State or dignitary invited as chief guest this year.
Approximately 5000 to 8000 guests are expected at the Republic Day Celebration
Children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to attend the ceremony.
12 states and Union territories will showcase their tableaux at the Republic Day Parade.
Musicians Bickram Ghosh and Ricky Kej have composed a background score for the parade.
This year, the Parade will begin half an hour late, i.e., at 10:30 a.m.
25 winners of the Veer Gatha Project will be felicitated.
A drone show organised by Botlab Dynamics, will also be a part of the closing ceremony.

We hope this article helped you understand the history & significance of Republic Day in India. Also, we would like to extend our warmest and best wishes to you on this Republic Day.