India is all ready to celebrate its 75th Republic Day on 26th January 2024. India became a republic in 1950 on 26th January and it was a glorious day when the newly adopted Constitution came into force. The celebrations involve the unfurling of the Indian national flag by the President. It lasts for three days, ending with the Beating Retreat Ceremony on 29 January.
The Parade on Republic Day is a significant celebration that takes place at Rajpath, now called Kartavya Path. It features vibrant tableaux showcasing the culture and diversity of various states and march-pasts by personnel of the Indian Armed Forces.
There are so many things that take place on this day. You need to know each and everything in detail. In this blog, we will tell you about some of the important things about India’s Republic Day, the Chief Guest, the Theme, and many more.
History Of Republic Day
The Indian Constitution, created by a committee led by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, was adopted on November 26, 1949, but came into full effect in 1950. India attained its independence from the British Raj in 1947, but it was not until January 26, 1950 that India had its own constitution.
Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, unfurled India’s National Flag, marking the birth of the Indian Republic Day. On this day, the Indian Constitution took effect and made India a sovereign state and established it as a republic. The first chief guest of India’s Republic Day on January 26, 1950, was the Indonesian president Sukarno.
On 9 December 1946, for the first time, the Constituent Assembly assembled and met for the final time on 26 November 1949, also observed as Constitution Day. The Constitution was formally adopted on 26th January 1950, as the Indian National Congress declared the ending of colonial rule on 26 January 1930 and declared Purna Swaraj in its tradition on the banks of Ravi in Lahore.
Republic Day also honours the right of the citizens to elect a democratically-run government. The nation observes it as a national holiday to honour the formation of the Indian Constitution.
Celebrations are marked throughout the nation with great enthusiasm. The President of India also confers the Ashok chakra, Paramvir Chakra, and Vir Chakra upon courageous soldiers. Aldo, the Padma Awards are given to the nation’s deserving citizens.
About India’s 75th Republic Day:
India marks its Republic Day on January 26 every year. This year, 2024 is marking the 75th year of Republic India. This memorable event starts at 9:30 am from Vijay Chowk and travels a five-kilometer route to the National Stadium.
The upcoming parade promises more than a display of military grandness. The event will be a vibrant tapestry showcasing India’s rich customs and culture. Uniformed soldiers will march precisely, attended by excellent displays of armored vehicles and fighter jets flying overhead in a synchronized formation.
Awards and honour presentations, ceremonies for children, defence personnel, and police will be held. Soldiers who have bravely performed selfless sacrifices are awarded the bravery models Maha Vir Chakra, Param Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra. Also, children are honoured with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
Beating Retreat: The Lesser-known Celebration
Every year, on 29th January, the Beating Retreat Ceremony is held, which marks the end of the Republic Day celebration.
Here is the series of the Beating Retreat:
- The ceremony starts with the three services’ massed bands marching in synchronization to famous anthems. The anthems are Sons Of the Brave, Qadam Qadam Badhaye Jaa, and Colonel Bogey March. Bands from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force follow this.
- Then, the classic Indian and Scottish tunes such as Chaandni, Neer’s Sagar Samrat, and Gurkha Brigade are played by the Indian Army on drums and pipes.
- Pipe bands also act as compound marches and number formations.
- Every five or six band contingents march forward and take their position near the President’s chair.
- Then comes the Indian Army’s pipe bands, a solo drummer performance.
- The buglers play the sunset bugle call, and all the flags are lowered down slowly.
- Now, the master of the band marches toward the President to seek permission to remove the bands. Also, they inform the President that the closing ceremony has now ended.
75th Republic Day Parade:
Republic Day is celebrated with Parade. People across the nation witness the glory of this much awaited parade live or on their televisions. The timing of the Parade is 10:00 am (commencement time 9:30 am). For the very first time in the Parade’s history, a ‘combined’ women’s daredevil bikers team will perform.
The team will include women from CAPFs, including the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Border Security Force (BSF) exclusively, and will guide the parade course on 350 CC Royal Enfield Bullets. This outstanding display is scheduled to unravel before the sky witnesses the procession of multiple Indian Air Force assets taking the limelight.
The 75th Republic Day parade will feature defence forces and two all-women contingents marching. The defence officials said, “One contingent, consisting of 144 personnel, will comprise all women soldiers, with 60 from the Army and the remainder from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.”
Ticket Prices:
- Reserved (Rs 500): Least supply, most in-demand, one ticket per ID, and excellent view if secured early.
- Unreserved (Rs 100): More availability, decent views, and two tickets per ID.
- Unreserved (Rs 20): Limited view and readily available.
How To Book Tickets For The Republic Day?
Online Ticket Booking:
The ticket bookings started on January 10, and the portal will be open until January 25, 2024, with limited availability. Follow the below-mentioned steps to book tickets online:
- Visit the official Ministry of Defence web portal- https://mod.gov.in/
- Create a new account or log in to the existing account.
- Enter personal information and authenticate through the OTP sent to your mobile number.
- Choose your desired events from the FDR Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat.
- Provide information for verification and upload the original ID photo.
- Make your online payment and get your tickets
Offline Ticket Booking:
There are some offline ticket booking counters mentioned below, which you can check out:
- Pragati Maidan (Gate No.1)
- Sena Bhawan (Gate No. 2)
- Jamnagar House (Opposite India Gate)
- North Block Gol Chakkar
- Shashtri Bhawan (Gate No. 3)
- Jantar Mantar (Main Gate)
- Parliament House (Special counter for MPs)
- Lal Quila (Inside 15 August Park and opposite Jain Temple)
Things To Remember:
- Carry a valid and legal photo ID proof at the time of buying tickets
- Do not carry a camera or a video recorder, as it is strictly prohibited.
Chief Guest:
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has been invited to attend Indian Republic Day celebrations. Notably, this is the 6th time a French leader will be the Chief guest. Last year, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Egyptian President, was the chief guest.
Main Theme Of 75th Republic Day:
On the 75th Republic Day, 2024, the central theme is “India-Mother Of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Republic Day Sales:
As India is all ready to celebrate its 75th Republic Day, there is another reason to double this celebration. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart have announced some Republic Day sales.
Flipkart:
The Republic Day Sales on Flipkart has started on Sunday, January 14. They have followed last year’s pattern, and the early access only applies to their Plus Members. The sale will be a six-day shopping sale and will end on January 19. They are offering deals on these products:
Tech Device: Flipkart is offering an Interesting price drop.
- The Apple iPhone 15 (blue, 128 GB) is available for ₹72,999,
- and the Apple iPhone 15 (green, 256 GB) for ₹82,999.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 will offer more than 40% discount on the 5G variation.
- Also, if you love smartwatches, you can get a minimum of 80% off.
Fashion and Accessories:
- There is a huge discount of 50-80% on fashion and accessories.
- Sarees and Kurtas will be available at 60-80% off,
- Whereas Men’s Jackets will have 60-85% off.
Amazon:
During the great Republic Day sales, Amazon is offering huge discounts on electronic appliances and gadgets. The sale started on 13 January and will end on 18 January.
- Mobile Phones and Accessories: customers can avail of products in these sections with up to 40% discounts.
- Business and Gaming Laptops: 40% off on Business Laptops and 45% on gaming Laptops.
- Smartwatches and Headphones: 80% off on Smartwatches and 75% on Headphones.
To Sum It Up:
The 75th Republic Day will be celebrated on January 26th, 2024. It was the day when the newly adopted Constitution came into force, and India became a republic in 1950. This year, the theme is “India- Mother Of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The whole nation is waiting eagerly for this special day to come.
Happy Republic Day!
FAQs
Ans. India is all ready to celebrate its 75th Republic Day on the 26th of January with an excellent parade along the iconic Rajpath.
Ans. No, the 74th Republic Day was last year, 26th January, 2023. This time, India is going to celebrate its 75th Republic Day.
Ans. The Republic Day is a national holiday in India and is celebrated to commemorate the official adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950.
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