Republic Day 2025: Republic Day is celebrated every year on January 26. In 2025, the country will celebrate its 76th Republic Day, which will fall on a Sunday. This date marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, proclaiming the country as a republican nation. Beyond being just a national holiday, Republic Day is also a moment of great pride when citizens come together to honor the meaning of the Constitution. Additionally, the Republic Day parade takes place on the Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
As we prepare to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day, learn some interesting and lesser-known facts about this special day and the parade that takes place every year.
Republic Day 2025: 10 little-known facts about R-Day and the parade
1. Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the Declaration of Purna Swaraj made by the Indian National Congress in 1930. This declaration called for complete independence from British colonial rule.
2. Preparations for the Republic Day parade begin in July, the previous year. Participants are officially informed of their participation, and on the day of the parade, they arrive at the venue as early as 3 a.m. By then, they have typically practiced for about 600 hours.
This year, the dress rehearsal took place on Thursday January 23.
3. Every year, a Prime Minister, President or leader of a country is invited as the chief guest of the Republic Day parade. This year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the guest of honor.
4. The firing of the cannon salvo is synchronized with the start of the national anthem. The first cannon is fired at the start of the anthem, followed by another 52 seconds later. The guns used for these firings were manufactured in 1941 and are used at all formal army events.
5. Every year, a theme is chosen for Republic Day, which is then followed by different states and government departments. The theme for the tableaux during the 2025 parade has been decided: “Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India – Heritage and Development). These tables would showcase India’s progress in various sectors such as technology, infrastructure and cultural heritage.
-6. The grand parade starts from Raisina Hill, near the presidential residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, runs along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate and ends at the famous Red Fort.
7. Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, played a vital role in drafting this landmark document, which replaced the Government of India Act, 1935.
8. The first Republic Day celebrations were held at the Irwin Stadium (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium) in New Delhi in 1950. The event saw the participation of over 100 aircraft and 3,000 members of the Indian armed forces.
9. On Republic Day, the National Bravery Awards are given to honor children who have demonstrated exceptional courage by saving lives or opposing injustices.
10. The Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian honors in India – are presented by the President of India in a grand ceremony, recognizing those who have made a significant impact on the country.
This period of celebration raises interesting questions about the evolution of democracy and the constitution in India. What would be the next steps to further strengthen these fundamental values in the contemporary context?
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