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India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day on January 26. The day's celebrations include the annual parade on Rajpath, now called Kartavya Path, in New Delhi. It features march pasts of Indian Armed Forces personnel and vibrant scenes showcasing the diversity and culture of different states.
Here are some interesting facts about Republic Day:
- Republic Day commemorates the day when the Constitution of India came into effect when the country became a sovereign state after gaining independence on August 15, 1947.
- The Constitution replaced the British Colonial Government of India Act (1935) as the country's governing text.
- India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, unfurled the national flag on January 26, 1950, to mark the birth of the Indian Republic. The day was declared a national holiday after it was recognized as the Republic Day of India.
- In 1950, the inaugural Republic Day procession took place. Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, formerly known as the Irwin Amphitheater, served as the venue. More than 100 aircraft and 3,000 Indian soldiers took part in the demonstration.
- Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest of India's first Republic Day parade.
- Rajpath had its inaugural parade in 1955. Interestingly, Pakistan Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the chief guest on the occasion.
- The Beating Retreat ceremony has its origins in a 17th century custom and is held annually on January 29 at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. The custom of announcing the homecoming of troops dates back to King James II, who ordered his soldiers to beat drums, lower flags and stage a parade to mark the end of a day of fighting.
- The theme of Republic Day 2024 is ''India – Mother of Democracy'' and ''Viksit Bharat'' (Developed India).
- Two all-female contingents of the armed forces will march during this year's Republic Day parade. “One contingent, consisting of 144 men, will consist of all women soldiers, of which 60 will be from the Army and the rest from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy,” defense officials said.
- France's President Emmanuel Macron has been invited to attend India's Republic Day celebrations. Notably, this is the sixth time that a French leader will be the chief guest at the festivities in the national capital. Last year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the chief guest.
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