Tuesday, January 26, marks the 67th annual Republic Day of India
The first official Republic Day was held on January 26, 1950, exactly one year after the India Constituent Assembly adopted the new Constitution. Before that, India was governed by the Government of India Act, which was implemented in 1935. While India is better known for its religious and very festive holidays, Republic Day is one of the three national holidays celebrated by the country.
To mark the importance of this occasion, a grand parade is held every year in the capital, from Raisena Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, takes the salute. Patriotic songs are played. Floats (Jhaanki) from all states with colourful vibrancies are displayed.
There are several events that are supposed to make this year’s Republic Day celebrations even more special than the previous years. The Indian Government is supposed to launch the action plan for the Start Up India Stand Up India program on this day. This program is expected to provide the youth across India with a lot of job opportunities. The government is also supposed to emphasize keeping the statues of great individuals of India and the neighbourhoods clean. Several schools and colleges are also going to stage discussions on the duties of citizens of India.
If you happen to be acquainted with members of the Indian community, remember to wish them a happy Republic of India Day on Tuesday,January 26.
