Republic Day 2024: India is set to mark its 75th Republic Day on January 26 with the annual parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, featuring marches by the Indian Armed Forces and colourful displays highlighting the diversity of different states.
Interesting Facts You Need To Know About India’s Republic Day
Here are some fascinating facts about Republic Day:
- Republic Day honors the day the Constitution of India came into effect, making the country a sovereign state after gaining independence on August 15, 1947. The constitution replaced the British colonial Government of India Act (1935).
- On January 26, 1950, the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, hoisted the national flag, officially declaring it the Republic Day of India and a national holiday.
- The inaugural Republic Day procession in 1950 took place at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, involving over 100 aircraft and 3,000 Indian military personnel.
- Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest at India’s first Republic Day parade.
- Rajpath hosted its first parade in 1955, with Pakistan’s Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad as the chief guest.
- The Beating Retreat ceremony, held annually on January 29 at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, traces its roots back to the 1600s. It signifies the troops’ homecoming and originated from a custom started by King James II.
- The Republic Day 2024 theme is ”India – Mother of Democracy” and ”Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
- This year’s Republic Day parade will showcase two all-women contingents from the defence forces, with 144 personnel, including soldiers from the Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
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President Emmanuel Macron of France has been invited as the chief guest, marking the 6th time a French leader will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. Last year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the chief guest.
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