One of the most glorious days of the year is here again, Republic Day. Celebrated every year on January 26 in India, it is a day allocated to celebrate the Constitution of India when it came into effect, in the year 1950, and the country became a republic.
It is a day when every community belonging to a different location, culture, tradition, and religion comes together to celebrate this day. This year, India will be celebrating its 74th Republic Day.
WHY IS IT CELEBRATED?
At the time when it gained its independence from the British Raj following the Indian Independence movement, it didn’t have a constitution of its own. All the laws of India were based on a gentrified version of the British-established, Government of India Act 1935.
After two weeks, a Drafting Committee was organized for drafting a permanent Indian Constitution. With Dr B R Ambedkar as its Chairman, the Constitution was adopted much later on November 26, 1949. But it came into force on January 26, 1950. Thus, this is the day chosen by Indians for themselves for it held immense significance for the country.
THE PROMINENCE OF DECEMBER 31, 1929
Other factors make for the history of India. On December 31, 1929, the Indian National Congress made the well-known declaration of “Poorna Swaraj” or complete self-rule. The day marked importance as Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the tricolour on the banks of the Ravi river. For the next 17 years, the date January 26, 1930, was set for independence and was celebrated as Poorna Swaraj day.
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
As this day holds great significance it is celebrated all across India with lots of patriotism and fervour. In the capital of the country, Delhi at Rajpath, magnificent parades by regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, police, and paramilitary forces are performed. India’s defensive prowess is also showcased along with the latest missiles, aircraft, and weapon systems. Beautiful tableaus, representing the traditions, culture, and diversity of all the states of India are also presented during the parade. The celebration comes to an end with air shows and flypasts performed by the Indian Forces.
REPUBLIC DAY PARADE 2024
Timings of Parade |
10:30 AM onwards |
Ticket booking mode |
Online & Offline |
Flag hoisting time |
7:30 AM |
Theme |
Nari Shakti |
Chief Guest |
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt |
Every Indian can watch the Republic Day Parade via online streaming. The live streams will be available for free on different platforms. To watch the grand celebrations, people can visit the official website of Republic Day celebrations 2023. Other renowned platforms like Doordarshan and the Press Bureau of India will also live stream the Republic Day parade.
The central government has also launched an online ‘Invitation Management Portal’ to make it easier for people to watch the republic day parade. The portal sends an e-invitation to dignitaries/guests. People can also use the portal to book tickets for the parade by visiting www.aamantran.mod.gov.in.
The chief guest on this Republic Day is Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the President of Egypt.
REPUBLIC DAY PARADE HIGHLIGHTS
The parade begins with the arrival of the President. Firstly, the bodyguards of the President salute the National Flag, and as they do so the National Anthem is played along with 21 Guns Salute.
The parade may be a one-day program but the efforts behind it are something to be looked at. The practice for the parade starts a year before in July and for this, the participants of the parade have to get ready by 2 AM and have to arrive at the Rajpath by 3 AM. The practice goes on till August, at their related regiment centres. They finally reach Delhi by December. The practice hour of the participants is reportedly 600 hours before they perform on the 26th of January.
For all the vehicles needed for the parade like Tanks, Armored Vehicles, and many more, a special camp near the premises of the India Gate is organized. The investigation for each Cannon and the work of whitewash goes through a 10-stage long process.
The highlight of the day takes place when The Prime Minister of India honours the martyrs by putting a ringlet at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate followed by a salute done by 21-guns national flag hoisting, and national anthem.
Awards are given in the form of Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra. It is also honoured to children and general citizens who have displayed courage when the situation demanded and the award winners then salute the President in military jeeps.
The program then comes to the turn of India’s display of its military power. March-past performed by the armed forces, police, and National Cadet Corps salute the President of India. The parade finally comes to an end with the most captivating part of the day. The Indian Air Force fighter jets fly past Janpath. This is how, Delhi being the capital of India, witnesses the largest public Day celebrations.
HOW TO BOOK ONLINE TICKETS FOR REPUBLIC DAY PARADE 2023
1. To book the ticket, you first need to visit the official website of Aamantran. This will take you to the newly launched ‘Invitation Management System’ portal.
2. Register on the platform using your mobile number.
3. Fill in the Name, DOB and other details along with the captcha.
4. Provide the OTP sent to the mobile number you registered with.
5. Choose the tickets as per your preferences.
6. Fill in the information asked and make the online payment.
7. You get the ticket digitally to your registered email ID or registered mobile number via SMS.
The unique QR code on the tickets will be scanned by the authorities before granting permission to enter the venue.
OFFLINE BOOTHS
You can also purchase the ticket via some booths that will be set up at the following locations:
- Pragati Maidan (Gate No 1)
- Sena Bhawan (Gate No 2)
- Jantar Mantar (Near Main Gate)
- Parliament House (Reception Office)
- Shastri Bhawan (Gate No 3)
Upcoming Festival List
Occasion |
Date |
Day |
| Valentine’s Day | 14th February 2023 | Tuesday |
| Maha Shivratri | 18th February 2023 | Saturday |
| Holika Dahan | 7 March 2023 | Tuesday |
| Holi | 8 March 2023 | Wednesday |
