| Republic Day of India | |
|---|---|
 The original text of thePreamble to the Constitution of India. TheConstitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 (1950-01-26). | |
| Observed by | Republic of India |
| Type | Public |
| Significance | Adoption of theConstitution of India |
| Celebrations | Parades, speeches and cultural events etc. |
| Date | 26 January |
| Next time | 26 January 2026 (2026-01-26) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 26 January 1950 (75 years ago) (1950-01-26) |
Republic Day is anational holiday inIndia commemorating the adoption of theConstitution of the Republic of India and the country's transition to arepublic which came into effect on 26 January 1950.
The constitution replaced theGovernment of India Act 1935 as thegoverning document of India, thus turning the nation from adominion into arepublic, following itsindependence from theBritish Raj in 1947. The constitution was adopted by theConstituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The date was chosen because theIndian National Congress had proclaimedPurna Swaraj (complete independence) on that date in 1930.
Republic Day is commonly associated withparades, political speeches, cultural events and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating thehistory,government, and the traditions of India.
India achieved independence from theBritish Raj on 15 August 1947 following the success of theIndian independence movement which was led by Congress under the leadership ofMahatma Gandhi. This was enacted through theIndian Independence Act 1947, anact of theParliament of the United Kingdom that partitionedBritish India into the two new independentdominions of theBritish Commonwealth.[1] India became aconstitutional monarchy withGeorge VI as head of state andthe Earl Mountbatten asgovernor-general. Without a standalone constitution, its laws were based on theGovernment of India Act 1935 and governed by theConstituent Assembly of India.[2]
On 29 August 1947, a seven-member drafting committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr.B R Ambedkar as chairman.[3] A draft constitution prepared by the committee was submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1948.[4] After the draft was discussed and debated, the constituent assembly adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949.[5] The major part of the constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 withRajendra Prasad becoming thefirstPresident of India and the constituent assembly became theParliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new constitution.[6][7] The date was chosen as theIndian National Congress proclaimedPurna Swaraj (complete independence) on this day in 1930.[8]
On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.[9] On Republic Day, the President of India unfurls thenational flag in the national capitalNew Delhi with theGovernors and Lieutenant Governors unfurling the flag at the respectivestates and union territories.[10][11][12]
The main Republic Day celebrations are held in New Delhi, at theKartavya Path, a ceremonialboulevard that runs fromRashtrapati Bhavan onRaisina Hill throughIndia Gate.[13] The event is hosted by thePresident of India with ceremonious parades and cultural events.[14] TheDelhi Republic Day parade held during the same is organized by theMinistry of Defence.[15] The President who is theCommander-in-Chief of theIndian Armed Forces, takes the salute from various units of thearmy,navy,air force, para-military and police forces.[16]
One of the most anticipated features of the Republic Day celebrations is the Indian Air Force flypast, which symbolically concludes the parade. The Indian Air Force’s Republic Day flypast has evolved dramatically since it first took shape. What began with Dakotas and Harvards has expanded to include formations of MiG-21s, Jaguars, Su-30MKIs, and Rafales. Special segments such as "Trishul," "Arrowhead," and "Brahmastra" formations reflect doctrinal and technological advancements. The flypast is now a highlight of the parade, often showcasing the IAF’s newest acquisitions and combat capabilities.[17]
Every year, ahead of state orgovernment of another country is invited as the state guest of honor for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The guest country is often chosen on the basis of strategic, economic and political interests. French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at the celebrations that marked India's 75th Republic Day.[18][19] In 2025, Indonesian presidentPrabowo Subianto was the chief guest of the Republic day.[20]
TheBeating Retreat ceremony, conducted on the evening of 29 January, marks the end of Republic Day festivities. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the Indian armed forces atVijay Chowk.[21] The President of India is escorted by thePresident's Bodyguard and post a ceremonial salute, the Indian National Anthem,Jana Gana Mana is played. Military bands then play popular tunes likeAbide With Me,Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo andSaare Jahan Se Achcha at the end.[22][23][24]
On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes various civilianPadma Awards.[25] These were instituted in the year 1954 and are awarded in three categories in decreasing order of precedence:[26]
Padma Vibhushan is awarded for "exceptional and distinguished service" and is the second highest civilian honor
Padma Bhushan is awarded for "distinguished service of a high order" and is the third highest civilian honor
Padma Shri is awarded for "distinguished service" and is the fourth highest civilian honorThe decoration consists of a certificate and a medallion and, unlike national honors, the awards do not include cash allowances, benefits, or special concessions.[27] A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.[28]
_Marching_Contingent_passes_through_the_Rajpath%2c_on_the_occasion_of_the_68th_Republic_Day_Parade_2017%2c_in_New_Delhi_on_January_26%2c_2017.jpg)
.jpg)
Media related toRepublic Day (India) at Wikimedia Commons
