Republic Day 2021: History and significance of the day India became a republic

Representational Image | Credit: Satej Shinde

Republic Day in India is celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor every year since January 26, 1950, the day the Constitution of India came into effect.

The significance of the date January 26 is that Indian National Congress on this very day in the year 1929 called for total independence or Purna Swaraj as opposed to British rule. Thus, this day was chosen to unveil the Constitution.

India was a colony of the British for 200 years and on August 1947 it won Independence. However, it did not have its own Constitution until much later and Indian laws were based on a modified version of the British established, Government of India Act 1935.

Two weeks after Independence a drafting committee was appointed with Dr. B R Ambedkar as the Chairman. After a lot of time, research and hardwork, India became a sovereign republic on January 26, 1950.

The Republic Day is celebrated to mark the replacement of British established Government of India Act 1935 with India's own Constitution. Every year, the day is celebrated with pomp and extravagance. Apart from flag hoisting, a plethora of brave acts, including bike stunts and air shows are put forward by the Indian defense forces. Beautiful tableaus from every state celebrate the diversity of India and uniqueness of every state.

While this year, the celebration will not be as extravagant as India is used to witnessing, however, the spirit of the day will not be dampened.

Not to mention, this year apart from the parade of the jawans on Rajpath, the kisan of the nation will also stage a simultaneous tractor parade in Delhi on Republic Day.