Equality, Secularity and Liberty are the essential words that were added to the backbone of India on 26th January 1950. It was that day when India became Republic. Today, we Indians celebrate this very special day on Saturday, as 70th Republic day. The citizens of India celebrate Republic day with great zeal and pride to honour the Constitution of India. The patriotic songs such as वन्दे मातरम, सारे जहाँ से अच्छा .. echoes in the air. On this day, the Indian Government declare the National Holiday.
Republic Day Celebrations
Every year on 26th January India celebrates the Republic Day to symbolize the long way that our country has come. There is a sense of patriotism and nationalism filled in the air, and why it shouldn’t be? After all, it was this day some 69 years back when our free India came up with its very own Independent constitution, the idea of पूर्ण स्वराज, which was modelled by Dr B. R. Ambedkar. This is one of the most important days of Indian history glory.
The high rise beauty of the National Flag adorns the great heights at which it is hosted. The hosting of National Flag takes place at every public or government places followed by the National Anthem of India. The students perform dances, songs, speeches citing the importance of a Republic country. They also Parade in the ground giving the “सलामी” to the National Flag and the eminent Chief Guests.
The main centre of attraction of this celebration is the one at Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi where the National Flag is hosted by the President of the country and the National Anthem is sung. This is followed by the “21 तोपों की सलामी ”.
A very large scale celebration is made where various patriotic performances not only by the students but also by the defence forces are made. These cultural performances add colours to the patriotic aura. All the Defence forces of India with some 9-12 regiments (Navy, Air, Army) parade and showcase the various tanks, weapons, aircraft, ships that India owns referring to the great powerful country that India has become over the years. There is a very beautiful showcase by Airforce where they adorn the sky with trailing marks of tri-colour through aircraft.
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One of the unique sights of the parade is the Camel-mounted BSF (Border Security Force) contingent, which is the only camel-mounted military force in the world. The best NCC cadets, selected from all over the country get the medal in the ceremony, which is an honour to participate in this event.
It is of no doubt that India is culturally blessed with its diversities. The presentation of the various cultural aspects that every State of India holds is done by the tableau. There is also a practice of honouring the braves and the eminent award holders of Param Veer Chakra, Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shree etc by the President of India.
70th Republic Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and President Ram Nath Kovind will hoist the National flag at 7.00 am after which the 70th Republic Day parade will kick off from Rajpath at 9.50 am.
India doesn’t forget to practice its “अतिथि देवो भवः” motion on Republic Day. That’s the reason various prominent personalities are invited from different countries to be the Chief guest and a part of the spectacular Republic day celebration. This year, the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is invited as the Chief Guest of the 70th Republic Day Celebration.
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Special Attractions on Indian 70th Republic Day Celebrations
- 2019 celebration will be special as this year will mark the 150th birth anniversary of ‘Father of the Nation’. Around 17 tableaux from States/Union Territories and 6 from various ministries will be displayed in the parade based on the theme ‘Gandhi’.
- This year a tableau will also showcase ‘Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth’ at Rajpath parade which is a historical educational institution situated in Varanasi. The tableau will also display the glory of Ghats, Buddhist Monks, rituals and ancient temples of Varanasi.
- The honourable delegates of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019, held in Varanasi from 21st to 23rd January 2019 will also be visiting Rajpath to witness the grandeur of 70th Indian Republic Day celebrations.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ‘National War Memorial’ near India Gate to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. IAF will carry out a special fly-past with three helicopters and SU 30 jets on the occasion.
- This year, Indian Air Force (IAF) will be flying an aircraft which will run by blended bio-fuel on the Republic Day 2019 fly-past with 10 per cent of bio-fuel in it. The aircraft will fly over Rajpath with a ‘V’ shape formation, which resembles ‘Victory’ sign.
- Republic Day Parade 2019 will also witness the inclusion of K9 Vajra and M777 Howitzer, the self-propelled gun which are the latest artilleries inducted in the Indian Army. T-90 tanks, SU-30, Mig 29, Jaguar aircraft will also be the major attraction of the parade.
- This year one of the contingents of IAF will march on the tune of the astronaut in the parade at Rajpath.
- This will be the first time in the history that 4 veteran soldiers of the ‘Azad Hind Fauz’ aged above 90 years will take part in the parade at Rajpath.
- This year a woman officer would be leading the Army Services Corps in the Republic Day parade. The Daredevils Motorcycle Team will include a women officer in their team.
- All women contingent of Assam Rifles, one of the oldest paramilitary forces of India, will take part in the 70th Republic Day parade. CISF will display its tableau in the parade after 11 years.
- It will be the first time that winners of National Bravery Awards might not be able to join the parade at Rajpath as the NGO giving the awards has allegations of financial integrity. However, the winners of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar will get the chance to walk at Rajpath parade.
Retreating Ceremony
On the evening of 29th January, a retreating ceremony is also made which officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force at Raisina Hills and an adjacent square.
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No matter how large or small the celebration is, all these symbolize to one very important zest –love for the country. If independence gives a country the right to breathe in free air, then its constitution gives shape to that independent air. It is only because of our Constitution, the longest constitution of the world, that we have certain rights which are fundamental in nature. Let’s use these Rights as our power to shape a better India and to add more jewels to the victorious crown of our country. Connect with us for all latest updates. Also, You can post any query or feedback through Facebook also.
“Jai Hind Jai Bharat”
