8 hours Ago By TOI News Desk
NEW DELHI: Republic Day, commemorated each year on January 26, is one of India’s most significant national celebrations. The occasion marks the historic implementation of the Indian Constitution in 1950, establishing the nation as a republic. Significance of Republic Day India's journey to becoming a republic began during British colonial rule.
While independence arrived on August 15, 1947, the nation initially operated under British legislation. The country needed its own legal framework that would embody its democratic principles and diverse heritage. After extensive deliberations, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949.
However, its implementation occurred on January 26, 1950, marking India's official transformation into a republic. Since that momentous day, January 26 has been observed as Republic Day, commemorating India's sovereign status. Why January 26 chosen for implementing the Constitution? The selection of January 26 holds profound historical importance.
On this date in 1930, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, the Indian National Congress proclaimed "Purna Swaraj". Though independence was still years away, this declaration became a crucial milestone in India's independence movement. The date was deliberately chosen for implementing the Constitution, creating a meaningful link between the freedom struggle and India's republican identity.
How it is being celebrated in India? As India prepares to observe its 76th Republic Day, the celebrations will display the nation's diverse cultural legacy, defence capabilities, and progress in technology. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at the parade. Briefing media in New Delhi, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that a 160-member marching contingent and 190-member band contingent from Indonesia will take part in the Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025 along with the contingents of Indian Armed Forces.
This year, 31 tableaux from various States, Union Territories, and Central Government Ministries/Departments will participate, showcasing the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.” After the National Anthem, balloons with banners of the official logo of the 75th year of the Indian Constitution will be released. The event will conclude with a flypast by 47 aircraft.
When the event will start? The Republic Day Parade will commence at 10:00 AM at Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The President will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during a ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS. Check mode of transports to visit Kartavya Path Metro Services: Complimentary Metro access will be available to RDP-2025 Invitees/Ticket holders at Metro Station entrances throughout Delhi.
Delhi Metro will commence operations at 0400 AM on January 26, 2025 across the city. Metro parking facilities across Delhi will operate with standard charging rates. Park and Ride Scheme: This year's scheme continues, allowing invitees to park vehicles at Palika Parking, Connaught Place and JawaharLal Nehru Stadium's parking area (gate-14 & 15).
DTC buses will provide shuttle services from these locations. The shuttle service operates between 6:00 am and 8:30 am. All enclosures feature accessibility provisions and are Divyang-friendly with ramps.
NCC youth volunteers equipped with wheelchairs will be present to assist attendees. Despite advance notification of prohibited items, cloakroom facilities will be available for visitors' convenience. The organisers have increased toilet facilities by approximately 100% for visitor convenience, and first aid stations will be positioned outside entry point.
Heralding of Parade Republic Day Parade will be heralded by 300 Cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ musical instruments of different parts of the country. An indigenous mix of instruments that resonate with the melody, beat and hopes of a billion hearts of Indians. Ensemble of instruments includes a wide mix of wind and percussion instruments, like Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha – Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim, Thavil, Gudum Baza, Talam, Monbah etc.
At the 90-minute parade down the majestic Kartavya Path on Jan 26, a marching contingent and band from the country will also take part in the annual celebration. In all, there will be 18 marching contingents, 15 bands and 31 tableaux. Around 10,000 “special guests” have been invited to the parade this year to ensure “Jan Bhagidari”, which include “best performers” in various fields and those “who have made the best use” of various govt schemes.
India’s two main indigenous aviation showpieces, Tejas fighter jets and Dhruv advanced light helicopters (ALHs), however, will not be part of the Republic Day fly-past this year, as was earlier reported by TOI.“The grounding of the ALH fleet (there are 330 such choppers in the armed forces) is a slight setback. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is currently conducting safety checks, and it will be sorted out soon.
However, it is unlikely the fleet will return to action in time for the parade,” Singh said. 31 tableaux from various States, Union Territories With the broad theme of ‘ Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas ’, tableaux of 16 States/Union Territories (UTs) and 10 Ministries/Departments of the Union Government will be showcased during the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi on January, 26, 2025. These tableaux would showcase India’s diverse strengths and its constantly-evolving cultural inclusiveness marching into a glorious future.
States like Goa is coming up with the "cultural heritage of Goa" theme, Jharkhand: Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress, and Uttar Pradesh with " Mahakumbh 2025 - Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas" theme. Last year Republic day celebrations (PTI Image) Veer Gatha 4.0 The third edition of Project Veer Gatha was organized as a part of Republic Day Celebrations-2025 to inspire and spread awareness among children about the gallant deeds and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
The event was organised by Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Ministry of Education during 16 September to 31 October, 2024. A total of approx. 1.
76 Cr students have participated at pan India and a total of 100 school students have been declared winners of the Veer Gatha 4.0. These winners will be felicitated by Raksha Mantri and Minister of Education at a ceremony in New Delhi on 25th January.
They shall also attend the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path..
