73rd Republic Day: An important occasion for Indians across the globe

Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January in India. In 1950, it was on this day when the Indian constitution came into being and the transition of the country to a republic took place. This year India will celebrate its 73rd Republic Day.

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So on this special occasion, take a look at some fascinating and lesser-known facts about this day.

- The first Republic Day parade on Rajpath, Delhi was held in 1955.

- India ’s first President Dr Rajendra Prasad took oath in the government house on 26th January, 1950.

-The Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade in 1955 was Pakistan’s first Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad.

-The first Republic Day parade took place in Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, previously known as, Irwin Stadium.

-At that time, the stadium was not enclosed by four walls, and one could easily see the Red Fort.

-Every year, on the occasion of Republic Day, the President hoists the Indian flag and a 21-gun salute is given.

-The 21-gun salute begins along with the national anthem and ends with the 52-second-long anthem.

-The Indian Constitution is the world’s longest written constitution. It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to be completed.

-There are two copies of the Constitution, one in Hindi and one in English that were written by hand and are now kept in the Parliament Library.

-The handwritten copies of the Constitution were written by Prem Bihari Narayan and these were published in Dehradun.

-Every year, a chief guest from another country is invited for the Republic Day parade. It might be fascinating to know that the first Chief Guest for the 26th January, 1950 parade, was Indonesia’s then President Sukarno.

-Along with the national anthem and national song, “Abide with Me” is also played during the Republic Day parade. It is believed that this song was a favorite of Mahatma Gandhi's and is played as a tribute to him.

-Since 2020, this song has been replaced with the national song “Vande Mataram” in the Republic Day parade. However, it is now played during the Beating the Retreat ceremony.

-On 29th January, Beating the Retreat ceremony takes place at Vijay Chowk wherein the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force bands take part. This day is celebrated to mark the end to the Republic Day festivities.

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