The Republic Day is a grand celebration held every year on January 26th in New Delhi. It marks the day India became a republic in 1950. This event showcases the country’s military strength, cultural diversity and achievements. With colorful performances, state tableau, and a breathtaking flypast, the parade fills every Indian with pride and patriotism, making it one of the most awaited events of the year.
Republic Day 2025
India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, which falls on a Sunday. This grand celebration marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, making India a sovereign republic. The Republic Day Parade, held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity and achievements.
Interesting Facts About Republic Day Parade
Republic Day is a grand celebration held every year on 26th January in New Delhi. It showcases India’s cultural heritage, military strength and unity, making every Indian feel proud. Here are some interesting facts about Republic Day parade:
- The Republic Day parade is held every year on Kartavyapath in New Delhi. However, from 1950 to 1954, it was organized at different venues like Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramleela Maidan.
- Dr. Sukarno, the President of Indonesia, was the first chief guest of the Republic Day parade in 1950. In 1955, when the parade was first held at Rajpath, Malik Ghulam Mohammad, the Governor-General of Pakistan, was the chief guest.
- The President of India receives a 21-gun salute during the parade. Interestingly, this salute is given by 7 cannons, called “25-punders,” firing in three rounds. The timing of these shots matches perfectly with the National Anthem.
- Preparations for the parade begin in July of the previous year. Participants practice for nearly 600 hours before the event. They get ready as early as 2 AM on the day of the parade and reach the venue by 3 AM.
- A special camp is set up near India Gate for showcasing tanks, armored vehicles and modern military equipment. These vehicles are inspected and prepared in multiple stages before the parade.
- During rehearsals, each group covers a distance of 12 kilometers, while the actual parade on January 26 is 9 kilometers long. Judges evaluate the participants on 200 different parameters to select the “best marching group.”
- Every moment of the parade is meticulously planned. Even a slight delay or error can cause major disruptions, making precision essential for all participants and organizers.
- Each soldier in the parade goes through four levels of security checks. Their weapons are also carefully inspected to ensure they are not loaded with live ammunition.
- The colorful tableaux, representing India’s states and ministers, move at a speed of 5 km/h. Drivers operate these vehicles through small windows to ensure a clear display for the audience.
- The grand finale of the parade is the “flypast,” organized by the Western Air Command. Around 41 aircraft take off from various airbases and fly over Kartavyapath in perfect formation.
- For years, the hymn “Abide with Me,” Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite, was played during the parade. However, it was recently removed from the program.
- Soldiers march with Indian-made INSAS rifles, while Special Security Forces carry Israeli-made Tavor rifles. This showcases India’s defense capabilities.
- The cost of organizing the parade has increased significantly. For example, in 2001, it cost around Rs.145 crore, but by 2014, this rose to approximately Rs.320 crore.
- The Republic Day celebrations conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 at Vijay Chowk. Bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force perform during this event.
- Every year, nearly 2 lakh people gather to watch the Republic Day parade, a testament to the pride and enthusiasm of Indians for this grand event.