26 January: A Date Rooted in History, A Day Dedicated to Democracy

Preparations for India's 75th Republic Day are going on in full swing. This is one of the most important national celebrations of the country. At this time, enthusiasm, enthusiasm and feeling of patriotism are strong among the citizens. A large number of people reach Rajpath to watch the parade. The parade starts from Raisi Hills and reaches the Red Fort via Rajpath, India Gate. Republic Day is being celebrated with enthusiasm across the country. Many citizens are unaware of the history and significance of this day.

Finally, why was January 26 chosen as Republic Day? Why was the Indian Constitution implemented after a delay of two months? Who and where hoists the national flag on Republic Day? How different is the method of hoisting the flag from the method of hoisting the flag on 15th August? Let's find out the answer to all these questions today.

Why was the date of January 26 chosen?
India got the status of an independent nation on August 15, 1947. However, almost three years later, on January 26, 1950, India declared itself a sovereign, democratic and republican state by adopting the Constitution. Since then this day is celebrated as Republic Day. There is a story behind choosing the date of January 26.

The Indian National Congress passed the historic 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) Resolution at its Lahore session in December 1929. In this context, Independence Day was celebrated for the first time on 26 January 1930. After independence, 15 August 1947 was officially declared as Independence Day. To preserve the importance of the date of 26 January, the Constitution was enacted on this day in the year 1950, after which 26 January was declared as Republic Day.

Why was the implementation of the constitution delayed by two months?
The Constituent Assembly was constituted to frame the constitution of the country. There were 22 committees in total. Among these, the drafting committee was the most important committee, whose job was to prepare the entire constitution. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. After two years, 11 months and 18 days of work, the world's largest written constitution has been prepared. Dr. Ambedkar on 26 November 1949 President of the Constituent Assembly Dr. Indian Constitution handed over to Rajendra Prasad. But its implementation was delayed by two months. It is argued that the Constitution was implemented two months later, to preserve the significance of the January 26 declaration of 'Complete Swaraj'. Thus, the first Republic Day was celebrated on 26 January 1950 instead of 26 November 1949. Since 2015, the government has decided to celebrate Constitution Day on 26 November to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Where and who hoisted the flag?
After India was declared a sovereign democratic republic in 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India in the Durbar Hall of Government House. His motorcade then covered the five-mile route to Irvine Stadium, where he unfurled the national flag. The President saluted the parade by unfurling the flag. The day was later declared a national holiday. If we look at the Constitution, the President is the constitutional head of the Government of India. It is for this reason that the tricolor is hoisted on the Rajpath by the President of India on Republic Day.

Does hoisting the flag make a difference?
The Indian tricolor is hoisted on both 26 January and 15 August. But there is a big difference in their methods. Flag hoisting is done on 15th August, while the flag is hoisted on 26th January. These are two different things and their processes are also different.

On 15 August, the tricolor is unfurled and then hoisted. It is called flagging. At the same time, the national flag remains hoisted on Republic Day. It is easily hoisted. This is called hoisting the flag.

What is the full day schedule?
The program begins with the Prime Minister of India paying floral tributes to the country's martyrs. After this, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries arrive on duty to watch the parade. As per tradition, the President of India unfurls the national flag followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. The parade begins with the President's salute. The Republic Day Parade is a unique blend of the country's military might and cultural diversity. Besides displaying the latest weapons of the armed forces, tableaus of various states and ministries are brought out. Apart from this, the flypast features a breath-taking air show by Indian Air Force planes and helicopters.