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{{short description|National holiday in India}}
{{short description|National day of India}}
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox holiday
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name  = Republic Day
| holiday_name  = Republic Day of India
|type          =[[National day]]
| type          = [[National day]]
|observedby    = [[India]]
| observedby    = [[India]]
|image        = [[File:Constitution of India.jpg|200px]]
| image        = [[File:Constitution of India.jpg|200px]]
|alt          = Republic Day
| alt          = Republic Day
|caption      = The original text of the [[Preamble to the Constitution of India]]. The [[Constitution of India]] came into force on {{start date|1950|01|26|df=y}}.
| caption      = The original text of the [[Preamble to the Constitution of India]]. The [[Constitution of India]] came into force on {{start date|1950|01|26|df=y}}.
|longtype      = [[Public holidays in India|Public]]
| longtype      = [[Public holidays in India|Public]]
|month        = January
| month        = January
|duration      = 1 day
| duration      = 1 day / 24 hours
|frequency    = Annual
| frequency    = Annual
|scheduling    = Same day each year
| scheduling    = Same day each year
|date          = 26 January
| date          = 26 January
|significance  = Inception of the [[Constitution of India]]
| significance  = Implementation of the entire [[Constitution of India]]
|celebrations  = Parades, distribution of sweets in schools, speeches and cultural dances
| celebrations  = Parades, Holidays in schools, speeches and cultural dances
}}
}}
'''Republic Day''' is a [[Public holidays in India|public holiday in India]], when the country marks and celebrates the date on which the [[Constitution of India]] came into effect on 26 January 1950, replacing the [[Government of India Act 1935]] as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed [[republic]].<ref name="law_min_intro">{{cite web|url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/introd.htm|title=Introduction to Constitution of India|access-date=14 October 2008|publisher=Ministry of Law and Justice of India|date=29 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022161409/http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/introd.htm|archive-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> The day also marks the transition of India from an autonomous [[Commonwealth realm]] with [[British Monarch]] as nominal head of the [[Indian Dominion]], to a fully sovereign [[republic in the Commonwealth of Nations]] with the [[President of India]] as the nominal head of the [[India|Indian Union]].
'''Republic Day''' is the day when India marks and celebrates the date on which the [[Constitution of India]] came into effect on 26 January 1950. This replaced the [[Government of India Act 1935]] as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation into a [[republic]] separate from [[British Raj]].<ref name="law_min_intro">{{cite web|url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/introd.htm|title=Introduction to Constitution of India|access-date=14 October 2008|publisher=Ministry of Law and Justice of India|date=29 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022161409/http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/introd.htm|archive-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> The constitution was adopted by the [[Constituent Assembly of India|Indian Constituent Assembly]] on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic Day as it was on that day in 1930 when the [[Purna Swaraj|Declaration of Indian Independence]] was proclaimed by the [[Indian National Congress]].


The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent [[republic]]. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic day because it was on this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence ([[Purna Swaraj]]) was proclaimed by the [[Indian National Congress]] in lieu of the [[Commonwealth Realm|Realm]] status as a [[Dominion]] later instated by the departing [[British raj|British Regime]].
==History==
India achieved independence from the [[British Raj]]  on 15 August 1947 following the [[Indian independence movement]]. The independence came through the [[Indian Independence Act 1947]] (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an [[Act of Parliament|Act]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] that partitioned [[British India]] into the two new independent [[Dominion]]s of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] (later Commonwealth of Nations).<ref name="the act">{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/10-11/30|title=Indian Independence Act 1947|publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]], [[Her Majesty's Government (term)|Her Majesty's Government]]|access-date=17 July 2012}}</ref> India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a [[constitutional monarchy]] with [[George VI]] as head of state and [[Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma|the Earl Mountbatten]] as [[Governor-General of India|governor-general]]. The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial [[Government of India Act 1935]]. On 29 August 1947, a resolution was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr [[B R Ambedkar]] as chairman. While India's [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/debates.htm|title=Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings)|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929102902/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/debates.htm|archive-date=29 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Assembly met for 166 days in public sessions spanning two years, 11 months, and 17 days before adopting the Constitution. The 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one in Hindi and one in English) on 24 January 1950, after much deliberation and some changes.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 January 2019|title=In pomp and splendour|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/children/in-pomp-and-splendour/article26079712.ece|access-date=26 January 2022|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation. On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad's began his first term of office as President of the Indian Union. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Republic Day, January 26: History, Significance & Celebration |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/republic-day-january-26-history-significance-celebration/articleshow/73604790.cms|access-date=24 January 2021|work=The Times of India|date=25 January 2020}}</ref> On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wangchuk|first=Rinchen Norbu|date=25 January 2021|title=5 Pre-Republic Day Speeches by Presidents That Told Us How to Preserve the Republic|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/247811/republic-day-president-address-to-the-nation-speech-constitution-ram-nath-kovind-abdul-kalam-india-nor41/|access-date=26 January 2021|website=The Better India|language=en-US}}</ref>


==History of Republic Day==
On November 25, 1949, in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly, Dr [[B R Ambedkar]] remarked about the potential and pitfalls of life after January 26, 1950,
India achieved independence from [[British Raj]] on 15 August 1947 following the [[Indian independence movement]]. The independence came through the [[Indian Independence Act 1947]] (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an [[Act of Parliament|Act]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] that partitioned [[British India]] into the two new independent [[Dominion]]s of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] (later Commonwealth of Nations).<ref name="the act">{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/10-11/30|title=Indian Independence Act 1947|publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]], [[Her Majesty's Government (term)|Her Majesty's Government]]|access-date=17 July 2012}}</ref> India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a [[constitutional monarchy]] with [[George VI]] as head of state and [[Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma|the Earl Mountbatten]] as [[Governor-General of India|governor-general]]. The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial [[Government of India Act 1935]]. On 29 August 1947, a resolution was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr [[B R Ambedkar]] as chairman. While India's [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/debates.htm|title=Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings)|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929102902/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/debates.htm|archive-date=29 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Assembly met for 166 days in public sessions spanning two years, 11 months, and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. The 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one in Hindi and one in English) on 24 January 1950, after much deliberation and some changes.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-01-24|title=In pomp and splendour|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/children/in-pomp-and-splendour/article26079712.ece|access-date=2022-01-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation. On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad's began his first term of office as President of the Indian Union. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Republic Day, January 26: History, Significance & Celebration |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/republic-day-january-26-history-significance-celebration/articleshow/73604790.cms|access-date=24 January 2021|work=The Times of India|date=25 January 2020}}</ref> On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wangchuk|first=Rinchen Norbu|date=25 January 2021|title=5 Pre-Republic Day Speeches by Presidents That Told Us How to Preserve the Republic|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/247811/republic-day-president-address-to-the-nation-speech-constitution-ram-nath-kovind-abdul-kalam-india-nor41/|access-date=26 January 2021|website=The Better India|language=en-US}}</ref>
{{cquote|On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality. In politics we will be recognising the principle of one man one vote and one vote one value. In our social and economic life, we shall, by reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value. How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril. We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment or else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of political democracy which this Assembly has so laboriously built up.<ref>{{cite web|title= BR Ambedkar: In his own words|date=14 April 2016 |url=https://www.livemint.com/Home-Page/JHyUYYjoMzBFWSKuptd8LK/BR-Ambedkara-man-of-many-parts.html|publisher=Mint|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
}}


==Celebrations==
==Celebrations==
[[File:Rajendra Prasad readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade.jpg|thumb|President [[Rajendra Prasad]] ''(in the horse-drawn carriage)'' readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade on [[Rajpath]], New Delhi, in 1950.]]
[[File:Rajendra Prasad readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade.jpg|thumb|President [[Rajendra Prasad]] ''(in the horse-drawn carriage)'' readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade on [[Rajpath]](now called 'Kartavya Path'), New Delhi, in 1950.]]
The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, [[New Delhi]], at the [[Rajpath]] before the [[President of India]]. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its [[unity in diversity]] and rich cultural heritage.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2020|title=Republic Day 2020: History, significance and interesting facts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/republic-day-2020-history-significance-and-interesting-facts/story-31qEM6TExdf0ZEBf3EtsiO.html|access-date=24 January 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, [[New Delhi]], at the [[Rajpath]] (officially named 'Kartavya Path'), before the [[President of India]]. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Kartvya path, which are performed as a tribute to India; its [[unity in diversity]] and rich cultural heritage.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2020|title=Republic Day 2020: History, significance and interesting facts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/republic-day-2020-history-significance-and-interesting-facts/story-31qEM6TExdf0ZEBf3EtsiO.html|access-date=24 January 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>


===Delhi Republic Day parade===
==Delhi Republic Day parade==
{{Main|Delhi Republic Day parade}}
{{Main|Delhi Republic Day parade}}


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===Award distribution===
===Award distribution===
On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes [[Padma Awards]] to the civilians of India every year. These are the second highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Republic Day Celebration 2021 - Awards Recipients - Know India: National Portal of India|url=https://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/awards-recipients.php|access-date=24 January 2021|website=knowindia.gov.in}}</ref>
On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes [[Padma Awards]] to the civilians of India every year.These are the second highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Republic Day Celebration 2021 - Awards Recipients - Know India: National Portal of India|url=https://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/awards-recipients.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910230834/http://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/awards-recipients.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=24 January 2021|website=knowindia.gov.in}}</ref>
* [[Padma Vibhushan]] for "exceptional and distinguished service". Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ABOUT PADMA AWARDS|url=https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx}}</ref>
* [[Padma Vibhushan]] for "exceptional and distinguished service". Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ABOUT PADMA AWARDS|url=https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx}}</ref>
* [[Padma Bhushan]] for "distinguished service of a high order". Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India .
* [[Padma Bhushan]] for "distinguished service of a high order". Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India.
* [[Padma Shri]] for "distinguished service". Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
* [[Padma Shri]] for "distinguished service". Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
While being national honours, the Padma awards do not include cash allowances, benefits, or special concessions in rail/air travel.<ref>"Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1219: Padma Awards (2015)"</ref> Per a December 1995 judgment of the [[Supreme Court of India]], no titles or honorifics are associated with the Bharat Ratna or any of the Padma awards; Honorees cannot use them or their initials as suffixes, prefixes or pre- and post-nominals attached to the awardee's name. This includes any such use on letterheads, invitation cards, posters, books etc. In the case of any misuse, the awardee will forfeit the award, and he or she will be cautioned against any such misuse upon receiving the honour.<ref>"Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2536: Use of Title of Awards (2016)"</ref>
While being national honours, the Padma awards do not include cash allowances, benefits, or special concessions in rail/air travel.<ref>"Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1219: Padma Awards (2015)"</ref> Per a December 1995 judgment of the [[Supreme Court of India]], no titles or honorifics are associated with the Bharat Ratna or any of the Padma awards; Honorees cannot use them or their initials as suffixes, prefixes or pre- and post-nominals attached to the awardee's name. This includes any such use on letterheads, invitation cards, posters, books etc. In the case of any misuse, the awardee will forfeit the award and cautioned against any such misuse upon receiving the honour.<ref>"Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2536: Use of Title of Awards (2016)"</ref>


The decoration comprises a sanad (Certificate) issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion. The recipients are also given a replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc., if they desire. A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 January 2020|title=Govt announces names of 118 Padma Shri awardees on Republic Day eve {{!}} See full list|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/govt-announces-names-of-padma-shri-awardees-on-eve-of-republic-day-1640142-2020-01-25|access-date=24 January 2021|work=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
The decoration comprises a sanad (Certificate) issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion. The recipients are also given a replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc., if they desire. A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 January 2020|title=Govt announces names of 118 Padma Shri awardees on Republic Day eve {{!}} See full list|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/govt-announces-names-of-padma-shri-awardees-on-eve-of-republic-day-1640142-2020-01-25|access-date=24 January 2021|work=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
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File:SKAT.jpg|[[Surya Kiran|Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team]] displaying tricolor.
File:SKAT.jpg|[[Surya Kiran|Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team]] displaying tricolor.
File:BSF-Republic day.jpeg|[[Border Security Force]] personnel on Republic Day.
File:BSF-Republic day.jpeg|[[Border Security Force]] personnel on Republic Day.
File:The National Security Guard (NSG) Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|[[National Security Guard]] commandos marching in the 2017 Republic Day Parade.
File:The National Security Guard (NSG) Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|[[National Security Guard]] commandos marching in the 2017 Republic Day Parade.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|India}}
 
* [[History of India]]
* [[History of India]]
* [[Constitution Day (India)]]
* [[Constitution Day (India)]]
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Republic Day (India)}}
*  


{{-}}
{{-}}
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[[Category:Public holidays in India]]
[[Category:Public holidays in India]]
[[Category:Observances in India]]
[[Category:Observances in India]]
[[Category:National symbols of India]]

Latest revision as of 11:24, 26 January 2025


Republic Day of India
Constitution of India.jpg
The original text of the Preamble to the Constitution of India. The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 (1950-01-26).
Observed byIndia
TypePublic
SignificanceImplementation of the entire Constitution of India
CelebrationsParades, Holidays in schools, speeches and cultural dances
Date26 January
Next time26 January 2026 (2026-01-26)
FrequencyAnnual

Republic Day is the day when India marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. This replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation into a republic separate from British Raj.[1] The constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic Day as it was on that day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.

History[edit]

India achieved independence from the British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the Indian independence movement. The independence came through the Indian Independence Act 1947 (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth (later Commonwealth of Nations).[2] India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 29 August 1947, a resolution was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr B R Ambedkar as chairman. While India's Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.[3] The Assembly met for 166 days in public sessions spanning two years, 11 months, and 17 days before adopting the Constitution. The 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one in Hindi and one in English) on 24 January 1950, after much deliberation and some changes.[4] Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation. On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad's began his first term of office as President of the Indian Union. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.[5] On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.[6]

On November 25, 1949, in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly, Dr B R Ambedkar remarked about the potential and pitfalls of life after January 26, 1950,

On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality. In politics we will be recognising the principle of one man one vote and one vote one value. In our social and economic life, we shall, by reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value. How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril. We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment or else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of political democracy which this Assembly has so laboriously built up.[7]

Celebrations[edit]

President Rajendra Prasad (in the horse-drawn carriage) readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade on Rajpath(now called 'Kartavya Path'), New Delhi, in 1950.

The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath (officially named 'Kartavya Path'), before the President of India. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Kartvya path, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.[8]

Delhi Republic Day parade[edit]

Main article: Delhi Republic Day parade

The Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi and is organised by the Ministry of Defence. Commencing from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate, this event is the main attraction of India's Republic Day Celebrations and lasts for three days. The parade showcases India's Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage.[9] Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and police forces also take part in this parade.[10]

Beating Retreat[edit]

The Beating Retreat ceremony is held after officially denoting the end of Republic Day festivities. It is conducted on the evening of 29 January, the third day after the Republic Day. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The venue is Raisina Hill and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, flanked by the North and South block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace) towards the end of Rajpath.[11]

The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives escorted by the President's Bodyguard (PBG), a cavalry unit. When the President arrives, the PBG commander asks the unit to give the National Salute, which is followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, by the Army. The Army develops the ceremony of display by the massed bands in which Military Bands, Pipe and Drum Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands from the Navy and Air Force take part which play popular tunes like Abide With Me, Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn, and Saare Jahan Se Achcha at the end.[12][13][14]

Award distribution[edit]

On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the civilians of India every year.These are the second highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.[15]

  • Padma Vibhushan for "exceptional and distinguished service". Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.[16]
  • Padma Bhushan for "distinguished service of a high order". Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India.
  • Padma Shri for "distinguished service". Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

While being national honours, the Padma awards do not include cash allowances, benefits, or special concessions in rail/air travel.[17] Per a December 1995 judgment of the Supreme Court of India, no titles or honorifics are associated with the Bharat Ratna or any of the Padma awards; Honorees cannot use them or their initials as suffixes, prefixes or pre- and post-nominals attached to the awardee's name. This includes any such use on letterheads, invitation cards, posters, books etc. In the case of any misuse, the awardee will forfeit the award and cautioned against any such misuse upon receiving the honour.[18]

The decoration comprises a sanad (Certificate) issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion. The recipients are also given a replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc., if they desire. A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.[19]

Gallery[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "Introduction to Constitution of India". Ministry of Law and Justice of India. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2008.
  2. ↑ "Indian Independence Act 1947". The National Archives, Her Majesty's Government. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings)". Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "In pomp and splendour". The Hindu. 24 January 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  5. ↑ "Republic Day, January 26: History, Significance & Celebration". The Times of India. 25 January 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  6. ↑ Wangchuk, Rinchen Norbu (25 January 2021). "5 Pre-Republic Day Speeches by Presidents That Told Us How to Preserve the Republic". The Better India. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  7. ↑ "BR Ambedkar: In his own words". Mint. 14 April 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  8. ↑ "Republic Day 2020: History, significance and interesting facts". Hindustan Times. 24 January 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  9. ↑ "India Celebrates 63rd Republic Day". Efi-news.com. Eastern Fare. 26 January 2012. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012.
  10. ↑ "Chap". Mod.nic.in. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  11. ↑ "Republic Day Beating Retreat Ceremony 2017 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi". DNA India. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  12. ↑ "Curtain Raiser – Beating Retreat Ceremony 2011". Ministry of Defence. 28 January 2011.
  13. ↑ "Beating Retreat weaves soul-stirring musical evening". The Times of India. 29 January 2011. Archived from the original on 1 February 2011.
  14. ↑ "Martial music rings down the curtain". The Times of India. 30 January 2011. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012.
  15. ↑ "Republic Day Celebration 2021 - Awards Recipients - Know India: National Portal of India". knowindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  16. ↑ "ABOUT PADMA AWARDS".
  17. ↑ "Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1219: Padma Awards (2015)"
  18. ↑ "Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2536: Use of Title of Awards (2016)"
  19. ↑ "Govt announces names of 118 Padma Shri awardees on Republic Day eve | See full list". India Today. 25 January 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.

External links[edit]

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