26 January, 2023 | Republic Day | The facts

Why is 26 January celebrated as Republic Day in India?

By Intimate Viewpoint

26 January is very special in India because the day is celebrated as Republic Day or 'Ganatantra Divas'.Do you know the fact behind it?

Let's know about it.

The fact

About 75 years ago, India used to be ruled by the British. The British ruled India for almost 200 years then eventually India got freedom that too after a long struggle.

Countless people wear martyred and numerous people sacrificed their lives to get freedom. India got freedom on 15th August 1947. The British left India forever after handing it over to the Indians. Then Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister and Dr. Rajendra Prasad the first president of the Independent country. But this was not enough, as a strong law and order system was needed to run the country.

Therefore some specific rules and regulations were made by the constituents assembly under the chairmanship of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, which is known letter by the term 'Constitution of India'. 

It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and it came into force on 26 January 1950. In this way, the whole country celebrated the first Republic Day on 26 January 1950.

Thus the Indian Constitution was made and brought into existence on this specific day.

How is Republic Day celebrated in India? 

Firstly, Republic Day is significant as the President of India unfurls 'Tiranga' the national flag on the Rajpath in Delhi. Parad is also held there by the Indian Army. People from different states of India come here to participate in the cultural program and also they present their tableaux here. Thus Republic Day is celebrated here at the country level. Apart from this, the national flags are also hoisted in all schools, colleges, and all government institutions and offices.

The national anthem is sung by students in schools and colleges. It is also sung collectively at all those places wherever 'Try color' or the national flags are hoisted. Cultural programs are organized by all schools and colleges.

What is the flag unfurling on Republic Day in India?

Many of us do not understand the difference between flag hoisting and flag unfurling. Many consider these two things to be the same. But actually, flag hoisting is when the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag on the Raj Path in Delhi on the 15th of August. Whereas, flag unfurling is when the President of India unfurls the national flag at Rajpath in Delhi on 26 January. In this way, both things are different and both have different importance.