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Republic Day

Republic Day

In the list of national holidays in India, Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January every year. 26 January 1950 was the day that marked the historical moment of the enactment of Indian constitution. Observed as a national holiday in India, the Republic Day is celebrated with great pride and enthusiasm throughout the nation as on this day India was declared "Republic" after getting freedom from the clutches of British rule. Therefore to mark the nation's pride and to celebrate the state of sovereignty and democratic republic rule, the Republic Day in India is considered an event of national importance.

History of Republic Day

After getting freed from the British rule in 15th August 1947, India was headed by King George VI till the constitution of India came into force in 26th January 1950, declared itself as a democratic republic nation. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first president of India. Since then every year 26 January is celebrated as the Republic Day of India.

Republic Day Celebrations

Republic Day is an annual event of national importance in India, therefore no stone is left unturned to mark its importance. Although the celebrations of Republic day is held in every state of India but New Delhi, the capital city of India, witnesses the grand show of Republic Day Parade starting from the Rajpath (India Gate) near the President's Palace upto the historical Red Fort

Republic Day occasion in New Delhi starts from Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where the Prime Minister of India alongwith the chief of Army, Air Force and Navy staff commemorates the soldiers who laid down their lives for the protection of the sovereignty of India. After that the convoy of the Indian President accompanied by the chief guest of the celebration reach to the venue. Just before the dazzling display of nation's military might and colors of culture at Rajpath, the President hoist the Indian tri-color flag and awards the bravery medals to the soldiers or their family members for showing exceptional courage in the battle field.

As the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, the President takes salute to the march past by the soldiers of different wings of Armed forces. Also the spectacular show of traditional songs and dance by the artists from the different states of India and the parade of the Children who have won the bravery awards are also considered among the most cheerful part of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Various states of India also have their celebrations of Republic Day with hoisting of national flag by the Governor/Chief Minister in the public function held at the state's capital.

Chief Guests on Republic Day India

Every year on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations, India hosts the head of the state to become the honourable chief guest. Here is the list of the Chief Guests on Republic Day in India since 1995:-

  • - 1995: Nelson Mandela, President, South Africa
  • - 1996: Dr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President, Brazil
  • - 1997: Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister,Trinidad and Tobago
  • - 1998: Jacques Chirac, President, France
  • - 1999: Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King, Nepal
  • - 2000: Olusegun Obasanjo, President, Nigeria
  • - 2001: Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President, Algeria
  • - 2002: Cassam Uteem, President, Mauritius
  • - 2003: Mohammed Khatami, President, Iran
  • - 2004: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President, Brazil
  • - 2005: Jigme Singye Wangchuk, King, Bhutan
  • - 2006: Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, King, Saudi Arabia
  • - 2007: Vladimir Putin, President, Russia
  • - 2008: Nicolas Sarkozy, President, France
  • - 2009: President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan
  • - 2010: President Lee Myung bak, Republic of Korea