26 January is the day when every year India celebrates its Republic Day. Marked as the celebratory date when the Constitution of India was implemented and came into force, it is observed as a national holiday. Commemorating since 1950, this year the nation will be celebrating its 74th Republic Day. 

With the feeling of patriotism seasoned all across the country, what makes this day an important day in the history of India is that after a long British Rule, when India got its independence there was a dire need for a rule book, to say in an easy language, to be made that runs the nation. Hence, the Constitution of India aka Bharitya Samvidhana was laid out which has the framework of all the policies, codes, conducts, structures, fundamental rights, and duties of the citizen. Though the Constitution of India came into force in 1950, did you know it was adopted by the constituent assembly in November 1949? Interesting right? Let us bring to you some more interesting facts about Republic Day. Keep on reading! 

Fact No.1 - Chief Guests of the Parade

Every Republic Day, chief guests are invited to be part of the parade who are either the Prime Minister or President or ruler of any nation but when the first parade was held, which was on 26th January 1950, Dr. Sukarno - the President of Indonesia was the chief guest of the program. What is interesting is to know that when the first parade was held at Rajpath in the year 1955, the chief guest was Pakistan’s then Governor-General Mr. Malik Gulam Muhammad. 

Fact No.2 - Hand-written Law of India

The Indian Constitution, also known as the Supreme Law of India, was hand-written in both the languages - Hindi and English. The original copies of the rule book are still kept in helium-filled cases in the Parliament of India. Also, did you know that Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar took nearly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to create the draft of the constitution? 

Fact No.3 - A 3-Day Celebration

Interestingly, Republic Day is not just a one-day affair. It is celebrated for 3 days, ending on the 29th of January with a Beating Retreat Ceremony. Also, you should know that during the parade, a song named - ‘Abide with Me’ is played which is also a Christian hymn and Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite song.

Fact No.4 - Grand Award Ceremony

On 26th January, during the grand celebration, prestigious bravery awards such as Ashoka Chakra, Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, and Kirti Chakra are awarded to deserving candidates, given to them by the honorable President of India, who also address the parade. 

Fact No.5 - National Anthem of India 

‘Jana Gana Mana’ - the National Anthem of India, written by Rabindranath Tagore was adopted by the constituent assembly on 24th January 1950. One more fact to know is that Dr. Rajendra Prasad took his oath as the first President of India on 26th January 1950 at 10:24 a.m. 

This was the fact series on Republic Day by us. Hope you enjoyed knowing!