Republic Day 2023: History and significance of the day

File Photo/PTI

The 74th Republic Day of India will be observed on January 26, Thursday. The President and Prime Minister of India will preside over the Republic Day celebrations which will take place on the recently unveiled Kartavaya Path, formerly known as Rajpath.

The Republic Day Parade, which features the armed forces and their bands marching past the crowd before tableaus of state and federal ministries, is the main event of the celebration.

Also read: Republic Day 2023: Here's how to book parade tickets and watch live

Republic Day History and Significance:

The day commemorates the promulgation of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. The day is also commemorated as the Constitution day.

Even though India got independence from the British in 1947, it wasn't until January 26, 1950, that the Indian Constitution came into effect and the nation was proclaimed a republic. The Constitution was adopted a year after the Constituent Assembly's final session on November 26, 1949. The Constitution's Drafting Committee was led by Dr. BR Ambedkar.

The Indian National Congress declared the end of colonial rule on this day in 1930. Republic Day also honours Indian citizens' right to democratically elect their government.

Republic Day Celebrations:

President Draupadi Murmu will kick off the festivities this year by unfurling the national flag at Kartavaya Path. Millions of Indians watch on television each year the airshows put on by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as well as the nation's achievements, rich tradition and cultural legacy.

The day is celebrated throughout the country with great fervour. On this day, the President of India bestows the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra on the gallant soldiers, while Padma Awards are given to the nation's deserving civilians.