The Story Behind Republic Day

Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January every year to honour the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India.

Why 26 January?

The date 26 January was chosen because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress proclaimed the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) as opposed to the dominion status offered by the British regime.

The constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent republic.

The Parade

The Republic Day parade is held annually in New Delhi, from Raisina Hill near Rashtrapati Bhavan along the Kartavya Path. The event is a display of India's defence capability, cultural and social heritage.

The parade showcases India's diversity and military might, with tableaux from different states, school children performing cultural dances, and the armed forces displaying their latest equipment.