Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Republic Day Across India – A Tapestry of History and Culture (2024).

What is Republic Day ?

Republic Day is the day when the Republic of India marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. This replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation from a dominion into a republic separate from British Raj.

The constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic Day as it was on the date of 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.

History of Republic Day :–

The origins of Republic Day and its celebrations can be traced back to the struggle for India’s independence from British rule. After years of tireless efforts and sacrifices by our freedom fighters, India gained independence on August 15, 1947.

However, the nation did not have a permanent constitution at that time and functioned under the Government of India Act, 1935. To fill this void, a drafting committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was formed to create a constitution for the newly independent nation. The constitution we have serves as a daily reminder of how far we have come as a nation and a civilisation.

The Constituent Assembly held its first session on December 9, 1946 and the last on November 26, 1949 and then the Constitution was adopted a year later. Dr BR Ambedkar headed the Drafting Committee of the Constitution and on this day, India also marks Constitution Day.

Significance and Importance :–

It marks the day when India became truly independent and embraced democracy. In other words, it celebrates the day on which our constitution came into effect. On 26 January 1950, almost 3 years post-independence, we became a sovereign, secular, socialist, democratic republic.

Celebrations across the country :–

On Independence Day, the prime minister raises the national flag at Red Fort. However, Republic Day starts with the President of India unfurling the flag at Kartavya Path, earlier called Rajpath and originally named Kingsway.

On this day, people forget their religion, caste, creed, sex, and more. It brings together the country as a whole. It truly shows the diversity of our country. The capital city of India, New Delhi, celebrates it with a Republic Day Parade that showcases the might of the Indian Military and the cultural diversity of our country.

These parades take place in other cities as well, where a lot of schools participate in. It is a delight to watch the children and professionals put in so much effort. The way they grace the parade makes one proud of their country.  We also do National Flag Hoisting on this day. In New Delhi, after the President of India hoists our National Flag, 21 guns salute follow it with the national anthem played by the military band.

Further, in schools, March Past takes place and it is mandatory for every student to attend the celebrations. In many schools, they distribute sweets on this day as well. While it is a very joyous day, we must not forget the struggle of freedom that our forefathers took part in. Moreover, it is a day to celebrate the spirit of freedom and make sure to help India reach greater heights in the future.

Award Distribution:

On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the civilians of India every year. These are the second highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.

• Padma Vibhushan for “exceptional and distinguished service”. Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.
• Padma Bhushan for “distinguished service of a high order”. Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India.
• Padma Shri for “distinguished service”. Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

The Republic Day 2024 parade is set to commence at 10:30 am on January 26, following the route from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path. The venue will accommodate approximately 77,000 people, with 42,000 reserved for the general public.

The Gantantra Diwas celebrations are held in the capital, New Delhi, from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan, along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate, and onto the historic Red Fort. The theme for the tableaux at the Republic Day Parade 2024 is Bharat – The Mother of Democracy.

Top 7 Indian Destinations to Visit on Republic Day :–

1.  Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) :-

This park is situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is the oldest national park in India. This destination can be a wonderful gateway for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can spot around 488 varieties of species of fauna. Bengal Tigers are the main attraction of this place.

2.  Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) :-

It is a beautiful city in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This destination is an exquisite example of paradise on earth. It provides stunning views of snowy mountains, panoramic views of landscape and many spectacular views. Trip with family or friends of here get you some unforgettable experiences. You will be delight to see the eternal beauty of nature.

3.  Jaipur (Rajasthan) :-

It is a city which is popular for its old heritages, temples, palaces and forts. And this place is also called by another name i.e. Pink City. This trip can be perfect for history buffs. Your trip would be incomplete without trying Rajasthani delicacies like Dal, Bati, Choorma and sweet dishes like Ghevar and Gajak.

4.  Alappuzha (Kerala) :-

This is a place which is renowned for its enchanting backwaters. You can really have enjoyable weekend on the houseboat cruise. And if you want to explore more, then you can have a visit to Ayurveda Centers in Alappuzha where you can learn how to relax the mind and stay refresh whole the day.

5.  Puducherry :-

The place which is also known for its another name Pondicherry. It is a cherishing destination for exploring in South India. Here are some of the beaches that increases its beauty namely Promenade beach, Paradise beach, Auroville beach and Serenity beach. And you can also head for colonial building, old churches and French style paths.

6.  Pithoragarh (Uttaranchal) :-

It is a worth exploring destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Pithoragarh has abundance of number of places to attract tourists. You can get excellent view of Valley in this place which are surrounded by four hills namely Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar and Kund.

7. Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) :-

It is considered among the UNESCO World Heritages Sites in India. The intricate carvings and erotic sculpture made it an ideal destination for photography lovers and history enthusiasts. Its construction was started in 950 AD and completed in 1050 AD. This monument is a group of Jain and Hindu Temples