75th India Republic Day 2024 - History, Parade and Celebration (2024)

Celebrated on January 26th every year, India Republic Day is one of the three national festivals of India; the others are Independence Day (August 15th) and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd). It signifies the day when the constitution of independent India was implemented in 1950.

Is Republic Day a holiday?

Republic Day is a gazetted holiday in India. The day is a matter of great pride for the entire country and therefore a public holiday. It is an off in all schools and colleges, and most private and public offices, except for necessary sectors like the police, railways, civil aviation, fire service and tertiary healthcare.

Republic Day Information

India Republic Day History and Significance

The Constitution of India, created by a committee led by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, was adopted on 26th November 1949, but it came into full effect only in 1950. The reason for implementing the constitution on January 26th was that it was this very day in 1930 when the call for Purna Swaraj, meaning complete independence, was given by the Indian National Congress. Though India became independent on August 15th 1947, it was not completely independent as India was declared a constitutional monarchy under George VI with Lord Mountbatten as the Governor-General. As India didn’t have a constitution then, its laws were mainly modified versions of the Government of India Act 1935.

The Drafting Committee, with BR Ambedkar as its chairman, was appointed on August 28th 1947 to create the Constitution of India. It met over 166 days as part of sessions that were open to the general public. After deliberating for two years, two handwritten copies (one each in English and Hindi) were signed by the 308-strong committee on January 24th. It was finally implemented two days later, which also marked the beginning of the presidential term of Dr Rajendra Prasad.

Celebrations of Republic Day 2024

Military parades mark the celebrations in India; the grandest among these takes place in Delhi, the national capital. The parade starts from Raisina Hill, the location of Rashtrapati Bhavan, and goes on to the Red Fort via Kartavya Path. It features marching contingents from the three armed forces, paramilitary forces, police and NCC, tanks, missiles, missile systems, rocket launchers, radars, dancing school children, vibrantly decorated tableaux representing Indian states or ministries, and daring stunts on motorcycles. Another inseparable part of the celebrations is the national flag hoisting and singing of the National Anthem. However, the spectacle that people most eagerly await is the flypast by the Indian Air Force, featuring fighter aircraft and tankers gliding over Kartavya Path Rajpath. Similar celebrations, though on a much smaller scale, are held in all major cities. People greet each other with Happy Republic Day 2024.

Honours and Awards Distribution on India Republic Day

Award and honour presentation ceremony for defence personnel, police and children is held on India Republic Day. Soldiers who have performed outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice are awarded the bravery medals, Param Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. Children are honoured with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

Beating Retreat

The Beating Retreat Ceremony is held on the 29th of January every year, marking the end of the India Republic Day Celebration. Here is the sequence of the Beating Retreat:

• The Beating Retreat ceremony begins with the three services massed bands marching in sync to popular marching anthems like Qadam Qadam Badaye ja, Colonel Bogey March, and Sons of the Brave. Bands from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy follow this.
• Then, the classic Scottish and Indian tunes such as Neer’s Sagar Samrat, Gurkha Brigade, and Chaandni are played by the Indian Army on pipes and drums.
• Pipe bands also perform compound marches and the formation of numbers.
• Each of the 5 or 6 band contingents marches forward & takes place near the President’s chair.
• Then, the Drummer’s Call is a solo performance by drummers, which are from the Indian Army’s pipe bands.
• The buglers now play the sunset bugle call, and all the flags are slowly lowered down.
• Then, the master of the band marches toward the President to seek his permission to remove the bands and inform him that the closing ceremony has ended.

Delhi Republic Day Parade:

The 75th Republic Day Parade is held every year on the 26th of January at Kartavya Path. The Republic Day Parade timing is 10:00 a.m. after flag hoisting and continues for three hours.

Delhi Republic Day Parade Ticket Prices:

Republic Day Parade Ticket Category:

• Online booking options are also available for India Republic Day Parade tickets.
• Offline Ticket Counters
  • Sena Bhawan (Gate No. 2)
  • Pragati Maidan (Gate No. 1)
  • North Block Gol Chakkar
  • Jamnagar House (Opposite India Gate)
  • Jantar Mantar (Main Gate)
  • Shastri Bhawan (Gate No. 3)
  • Lal Qila (Inside 15 August park and opposite Jain Temple)
  • Parliament House (Special counter for MPs)

• Things to Remember:
  • Carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter’s card) at the time of buying tickets and also at the Republic Day Parade
  • Don’t carry a video recorder, camera as it’s strictly prohibited
  • Wear warm clothes as the R-Day will be a cold day

Suggested Read: Diwali in 2024

India Republic Day Wishes

Here are some popular India Republic Day wishes:

• May the spirit of 75th Republic Day resonate with the symphony of unity, peace, and progress in your life. Happy Republic Day 2024!
• Wishing you an India Republic Day filled with vibrant colours, patriotic fervour, and a renewed sense of purpose for a brighter tomorrow!
• Let’s celebrate the unwavering spirit of our Republic by embracing the values of inclusivity, equality, and justice for all. Happy Republic Day 2024!
• May the strength of the Indian democracy inspire us to build a nation where every dream finds its wings. Happy Republic Day 2024!
• As we celebrate the dawn of another Republic Day, let’s pledge to uphold the ideals of our constitution and work towards a more prosperous and just India. Happy Republic Day 2024!
• May the tricolour of India continue to wave high, symbolizing the spirit of unity, diversity, and resilience that defines our nation. Happy Republic Day 2024!
• Here’s to celebrating the spirit of Republic Day with a renewed commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive India for all. Happy Republic Day 2024!

India Republic Day Calendar for 10 Years

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

FAQs

Q. Who is the chief guest on 26 January 2024?

A. The chief guest for India Republic Day 2024 is Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.

Q. What is the time of the Republic Day parade live telecast?

A. The live telecast of the India Republic Day will begin at 7:30 am. The Republic Day Parade will start at 10:00 am after the flag-hoisting ceremony.

Q. What is Republic Day’s importance?

A. This important day marks the transition of India from a British colony to a republic. India Republic Day signifies unity and national pride. Republic Day meaning can be described as when the Constitution of India came into effect.