Republic Day- An occasion very close to the heart of every Indian. January 26, 1950 is a remarkable day in the history of India which was achieved after a long struggle and endeavors which spanned for 90 years. India’s freedom history depicted about how death, imprisonments, and assassinations of our leaders became a price for India’s freedom.
How did India struggle after independence to achieve a Republic status?
One of the crucial factors to know about the Independence of India is about its battle to achieve freedom from British Raj and its struggle to attain republic importance. Though India got its freedom on 15th August 1947, it wasn’t entirely free. The constitutional monarchy under King George VI was still prevalent and represented by Lord Mountbatten. It was Lord Mountbatten who appointed Jawaharlal Lal Nehru as the first Prime Minister of India. The race and struggle to be a republic nation was about to begin. In order to be a republic country, India needed to draft its own constitution which would act as a governing document. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the person who headed for this work, and the first draft was completed on November 4, 1947. After a long wait of 3 years, the Constituent Assembly finally ratified it. The final draft was prepared on November 26, 1949. The Assembly waited till January 26, 1950, for the new Constitution of India to put into effect.
Highlights and Celebrations of Republic Day
The Republic day is lavishly celebrated on a grand scale at “Delhi”- The Capital City of India. There are highlights like:
National Anthem song: The National Anthem song is played at Rajpath, New Delhi with a 21-gun national salute.
Awards and ceremonies: Awards like the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra are given away by the President. The armed forces are awarded medals for their bravery and exceptional courage for protecting our motherland.
National Republic Day Parade: It is the largest parade held at Rajpath, New Delhi. It showcases the defence capability, social and cultural heritage of India. To mark the importance of Republic day, there are a series of actions to be performed by the Prime Minister of India, before the grand parade starts. The occasion starts with laying a floral wreath at the “Amar Jawan Jyoti”. It is a memorial at Rajpath, New Delhi specially made for the soldiers who struggled and sacrificed their life for freedom, followed with a two minute silence. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this parade. The camel mounted “Border Security Force” is also an attraction to watch. There are 25 to 30 tableaux displayed at the occasion which exhibits the cultural beauty of different states and union territories. In a crux, the marching and mounted contingents, military vehicles, 20 military bands, 30 cultural tableaux and 30 aircraft in addition to cultural performances and 1200 schoolchildren participating in the occasion, make it one of the greatest parade in the world. In the 67th Republic Day parade, French army soldiers and French army band took part in the national parade. This was the first time when any foreign army contingent marched the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade. In 2017 UAE Army, Navy and Air Force participated in the Parade.
Motor Cycle Riding and FlyPast: The parade traditionally ends by displaying a daredevil motorcycle riding by the Armed Forces and civil security services and by a flypast by the Indian Air Force.
Beating Retreat: The occasion of Beating Retreat is celebrated on 29th January, after three days of Republic Day. The performers of the occasion were the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. During beating retreat, 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 and play popular tunes like Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn, and Saare Jahan Se Achcha. This closes the three days ceremony.
Chief Guest for Republic Day 2019:
Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has invited South African President Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.
“The upcoming visit of President @CyrilRamaphosa, and that too during the special occasion of India’s Republic Day will further cement business and people-to-people ties between India and South Africa,” Modi tweeted.
Well, all that’s about the New Delhi! What does Republic day actually mean for Indians?
Republic day is celebrated in the honor of our “Constitution of India” coming to effect. 70% of the Indian population contains youth studying in schools, colleges, living in societies and working in private, public and Government organization. The occasion is celebrated in schools and colleges by hoisting a flag followed by March past, speech, cultural events and distribution of sweets. The same is followed by the organisations.
What’s the special about the day?
Flag Hoisting: Flag hoisting is done in every schools, colleges and office. It displays the importance of freedom which we have gained after many sacrifices.
School Kids with Tricolour: From Nagpur to Nainital, Delhi to Dehradun or Patna to Patiala, school kids can be seen on roads with Tiranga and jalebi in their hands received from the school. Students participate in the March past at their schools after which they are in a jubilating mood to enjoy the day with games and food.
Jalebi- The National Sweet: All the streets of India will be seen stuffed with hawkers frying hot jalebis as this is the most demanded sweet on the day. Jalebi is our national sweet distributed in schools, colleges and offices.
City Decorated with Tricolor flags: All most every part of any city can be seen decorated with flags and decorative items matching with the theme of Indian flag. The entire city looks mesmerizing.
Republic Day 2019: Cool places to visit for a three days weekend trip
To some, Republic Day sounds interesting and becomes a reason to be the happiest person on earth is because that’s a holiday. The year 2019 has commenced with good news for the travelers, especially who plans a short trip of 2-3 days. If you’re into traveling and thought of enjoying the occasion, apply for a leave on 25th of February (Friday) and enjoy the 3 days long weekend by visiting to these wonderful gateways.
Shimla: Shimla is the nearest and well connected with Delhi by private vehicles and local buses. It’s the best place to get Himalayan experience along with vast apple orchards. Enjoy the view of pine forests and Himalayan Mountains. The weather can be a challenge as winters are on peak. Do enjoy the scenic beauty of snow-clad mountains and apples. There are venues where apple are distributed free to tourists. Along with apples, Bagugusha (Pears) and cherries can also be found. Other attractions are the toy train at kalka, mall road, kufri, Jakhoo temple, skiing, Christ church, and the Himalayan Bird Park. Want to move Shimla via train? Catch a train from New Delhi to Ambala cantt and further boarding a bus to Shimla. You can order food online in train at New Delhi junction or Ambala cantt. Junction.
Mussoorie: In the foothills of Uttrakhand, lies the Mussoorie. It’s a five hours ride from the New Delhi having plenty of sight-seeing and panoramic hill views in the way. It’s a perfect place for the photographers and travelers who want to create a memory forever. Gun hill, cloud end, bhatta falls, company gardens and Mussoorie Lake are few of the local locations to explore in mussoorie.
Auli: Skiing lovers can dive in the snow covered mountains of Auli at Himachal Pradesh. The thick dense layer of snow invites all the ski lovers. It is located at an elevation of 2,500 metres to 3,050 metres above sea level. The nearest airport to reach Auli is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun or travel 290 km. away from Dehradun Railway station.
Agra: How about viewing the “Taj Mahal” (The Seven Wonders of the World) on Republic Day? Located close to the Yamuna River, this incredibly beautiful place consists of a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. If you’re in Delhi, book your tickets in “Gatimaan Express” (the fastest train) and reach to the pious land of Agra. Traveling in train to Agra? You can order food in train to double the fun during journey.
Kullu Manali: Traveler having zeal to travel and love to pack their bags instantly can move to Kullu-Manali, a destination with snow fields all over. It’s the most preferred choice for weekend gateway as it is near to New Delhi and can be easily reached by a four hours travel. If you’ve your own vehicle, travel with winter clothes and other necessary accessories.
RailRestro is an e-catering company which provides food in train to the passengers traveling and looking for healthy and tasty food options in train. On the occasion of Republic Day 2019, RailRestro wishes every traveler a very Happy Republic Day.
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