80 Facts About Republic Day

Here’s a comprehensive list of 80 facts about Republic Day of India 🇮🇳 — covering its history, celebrations, importance, and lesser-known trivia:

🇮🇳 Historical Background

1. Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26th January.
2. It marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.
3. India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic on this day.
4. The Constitution replaced the Government of India Act, 1935.
5. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Constitution.
6. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, but came into effect on 26 January 1950.
7. The date was chosen to honor the declaration of Purna Swaraj made in 1930.
8. The first Republic Day was celebrated on 26 January 1950, a Thursday.
9. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India on this day.
10. The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution.

🎉 Celebrations

11. The main celebration is held in Rajpath, New Delhi.
12. The event starts with the Prime Minister paying tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti.
13. A grand Republic Day Parade is the highlight of the day.
14. It showcases India’s military might, cultural diversity, and achievements.
15. The parade starts from Rashtrapati Bhavan and proceeds toward India Gate.
16. Presidents of India take the salute as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
17. Military personnel and school children participate in the parade.
18. The parade includes marching contingents, floats (tableaux), bands, and stunts.
19. The parade is broadcast live on Doordarshan and other channels.
20. It lasts for about 3 hours.

🏅 Awards and Honors

21. Gallantry awards are presented on Republic Day.
22. Awards include Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
23. Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri) are also announced.
24. The President of India gives these awards.
25. Civilians and military personnel are honored for their service.

🤝 Chief Guest Tradition

26. A foreign dignitary is invited as Chief Guest every year.
27. This symbolizes India’s diplomatic relationships.
28. The first Chief Guest in 1950 was President Sukarno of Indonesia.
29. Leaders from countries like France, Japan, USA, UAE, and Brazil have attended.
30. In 2021, no foreign chief guest attended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

💂 Military and Cultural Display

31. The Army, Navy, and Air Force showcase their equipment and strength.
32. Fighter jets perform air shows and flypasts.
33. Cultural troupes perform folk dances and songs.
34. Each state presents a tableau displaying its culture and achievements.
35. The Border Security Force’s camel contingent is a crowd favorite.

🇮🇳 Beating Retreat Ceremony

36. Held on 29th January, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations.
37. Takes place at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi.
38. Includes performances by Indian military bands.
39. The bands play patriotic tunes, including “Sare Jahan Se Achha”.
40. The event ends with the song “Abide with Me” (which was removed in recent years).

📜 Constitution Facts

41. The Indian Constitution is the longest written Constitution in the world.
42. Originally, it had 395 Articles and 8 Schedules.
43. It now contains 470 Articles in 25 Parts and 12 Schedules.
44. Written primarily in English and Hindi.
45. It upholds Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

🏛️ National Symbols on Republic Day

46. The National Flag is hoisted on this day.
47. The National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) is sung during the ceremony.
48. The Ashoka Chakra on the flag represents dharma and progress.
49. The President’s Bodyguard, an elite cavalry unit, leads the parade.
50. Important government buildings are illuminated for several days.

🧑‍🎓 Role of Schools and Citizens

51. Schools organize cultural programs, parades, and speeches.
52. Students take part in flag hoisting and patriotic activities.
53. Many people watch the parade live or on TV with their families.
54. Patriotic songs and films are often played on this day.
55. Citizens take pride in remembering India’s democratic values.

🧠 Lesser-Known Facts

56. The Constitution was handwritten in calligraphy.
57. It was signed by 308 members of the Constituent Assembly.
58. The original manuscript is kept in a helium-filled case in the Parliament Library.
59. Republic Day is a national holiday in India.
60. In 1955, the parade was held at Rajpath for the first time.

📺 Technology and Media

61. Republic Day is broadcast in multiple languages.
62. Live streaming and drone coverage have become common in recent years.
63. The event is watched by millions globally.
64. Media highlights include analysis of parade contingents and tableaux.
65. High-security measures are taken in Delhi and across the country.

🛡️ Security and Protocols

66. No-fly zones are imposed over Delhi during the event.
67. Sniffer dogs, surveillance drones, and paramilitary forces are deployed.
68. Entry into the capital is heavily restricted for vehicles.
69. Rehearsals are done for several days before the event.
70. Security forces undergo multi-layer checking and drills.

🌐 Global Impact

71. Republic Day reflects India’s democratic identity to the world.
72. Several countries send congratulatory messages.
73. Foreign media often cover the cultural diversity on display.
74. Embassies of India host flag hoisting and cultural events abroad.
75. Diaspora communities organize celebrations worldwide.

📆 Special Republic Days

76. 1950: India became a Republic.
77. 2000: Celebrated the 50th Republic Day (Golden Jubilee).
78. 2020: Marked 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth with special tributes.
79. 2022: Included a week-long celebration from 23rd–30th January.
80. 2023: Introduced “Kartavya Path”, replacing “Rajpath,” symbolizing duty over royalty.