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Republic Day 2025: The theme for this year, Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” pays tribute to India’s vibrant cultural heritage while focusing on the promising future ahead.
Republic Day holds a special place in the heart of every Indian. (Image: Shutterstock)
REPUBLIC DAY 2025: India’s 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, will be a celebration of its journey as a sovereign nation. The day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, turning India into a democratic republic. Republic Day is celebrated nationwide with the grand parade in New Delhi standing out as the main event. The theme for this year, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,” pays tribute to India’s vibrant cultural heritage while focusing on the promising future ahead.
Republic Day: A Turning Point In India’s History
Republic Day holds a special place in the heart of every Indian. While India gained its independence on August 15, 1947, it was on January 26, 1950, that the nation truly embraced its identity as a sovereign, democratic republic. Before this day, India’s governance was based on the colonial Government of India Act 1935.
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After independence, the nation needed a permanent Constitution and the drafting process began in November 1947. For almost three years, the Constituent Assembly worked to finalise the Constitution. On January 24, 1950, the document was signed and just two days later, the Constitution came into effect which marked the birth of the Indian Republic.
Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, unfurled the national flag that day to celebrate the nation’s new democratic journey. Since then, Republic Day has been a day to honour the Constitution.
Republic Day: Honouring The Heroes
Republic Day is not only a celebration of India’s Constitution but also a tribute to the heroes who made the country’s freedom possible. On this day, the Prime Minister lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to honour the brave soldiers and people who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.
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After the wreath-laying ceremony, a two-minute silence is observed to pay respect and gratitude to these heroes. The Amar Jawan Jyoti (Immortal Soldier Flame) was unveiled on January 26, 1972, after the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Parade: A Grand Spectacle
The Republic Day parade in Delhi takes place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi and is a beautiful display of India’s strength and culture. The parade begins with the President of India unfurling the national flag.
Following this, soldiers from the Army, Navy and Air Force march proudly, accompanied by their bands. The parade also features colorful tableaux from different states, showcasing their unique cultures and traditions.
Beating Retreat: Conclusion Of Republic Celebrations
Beating Retreat is the final event that marks the end of Republic Day celebrations in India. Held on the evening of January 29, three days after Republic Day, it takes place at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi.
The ceremony features a musical performance by the bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). The President of India, who is the head of the Armed Forces, oversees the ceremony.
The Beating Retreat ceremony started in the 1950s during the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Since then, it has become an annual event to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
