26 Interesting Facts About 26 January: Indian Republic Day

Every Indian heart gets filled with tremendous pride as the Tiranga unfurls on the national festivals like 15th August and 26th January every year.

However, a lot many of us are not well-versed with the reason behind celebrating these festivals especially the Republic Day that is celebrated on January each year.

So, here we have listed some insightful facts about the Indian Republic Day.

1. 26 January 1930 was earlier celebrated as Indian Independence Day because on this day India decided to fight for freedom.
2. The then Indian leaders wanted to make the date 26 January a historic one, so they decided to launch the Constitution of India on this date.
3. Dr B. R. Ambedkar took 2 years and 11 months to draft the Constitution of India.
4. The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949.
5. However, it came into effect on 26th January 1950.
6. The first Republic Day of India was celebrated on 26th January 1950, almost after 2 years of Indian Independence Day.
7. Indian Constitution is the longest constitution in the world with a total of 448 articles.
8. Indian Constitution is written in both English and Hindi.
9.  Republic Day Celebration is a 3-day long event in New Delhi.
10. The celebration starts on 26th January with Republic Day Parade and ends on 29th January with Beating Retreat Ceremony.
11. During the Parade of Republic Day, a Christian hymn “Abide with me” is played because this was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn.
12. From 1950 to 1954, Republic Day was celebrated at Irwin Stadium now called National Stadium, Red Fort, Ramlila Grounds and Kingsway.
13. The first Republic Day Celebration at Rajpath was held in 1955.
14. The Indian Constitution has never been printed ever.
15. The original copy of the Indian Constitution is preserved in helium-filled caskets at the Library of Parliament House.
16. The first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad was sworn on 26th January 1950.
17. The Indian Constitution is inspired by the best aspects of the constitutions of other countries.
18. The concept of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity has come from the French Constitution.
19. The 5-year plan came from the Constitution of USSR.
20. Before 26th January 1950, India followed the Government of India Act 1935, made by the British Government.
21. The National Awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan and Kriti Chakra are awarded on the Republic Day.
22. The Indian Airforce came into existence as an independent body on the Republic Day.
23. The Republic Day Parade starts from Rajpath and ends at Red Fort in Delhi.
24. A 21-gun salute is given to the National Flag and the President of India during the Republic Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony.
25. Republic Day 2020 is the first time when a woman army officer, Tania Shergill will lead the Army Day Parade.
26. Hindi was declared as the National Language of India on 26th January 1965.

Republic Day in India is an important event of Indian history. Let’s take a moment to salute the Constitution of India that stands second to none.

Happy 71st Republic Day to All!!!