With Republic Day falling on a Friday this year, hundreds of Indians are gearing up for a long weekend getaway. Those staying put will nonetheless indulge in the age-old tradition of eating jalebis for breakfast, before which the tricolour will be unfurled somewhere in the vicinity.
Watching the Republic Day parade, which takes place every year on 26 January, is also part of this holiday tradition. This year, the parade will kick-start with a hair-raising performance by 100 women artists playing various Indian instruments. An all-women Tri-Service contingent will also be in attendance, a first in the history of Republic Day celebrations. Those catching the parade (both in person and virtually) will also witness some astonishing stunts by the famous Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, or ‘Dare Devils’ as they are better known.
With India’s 75th Republic Day approaching, it’s essential to revisit this day’s history and cultural significance. Also, why is Republic Day specifically celebrated on 26 January? When did the tradition begin? Here’s breaking it all down.
Why India celebrates Republic Day on 26 January
The Constitution comes into force. When India gained independence from the British — on 15 August 1947 — no constitution was already in effect. A Drafting Committee was formed on 29 August 1947, with Dr B R Ambedkar appointed Chairman. The other members of the committee included K.M. Munshi, Muhammed Saadulah, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Gopala Swami Ayyangar, N. Madhava Rao (who replaced B.L. Mitter), and T. T. Krishnamachari (who replaced D.P. Khaitan).
On 4 November 1947, a formal draft of the Constitution was submitted to the Constituent Assembly. The latter went back and forth over the next two years, holding multiple sessions and incorporating several changes before finally adopting it on 24 January 1950. On this day, 308 members of the Assembly signed two agreements to the text, one in Hindi and the other in English. This was a crowning moment for India because it affirmed its existence as an independent republic. The Constitution replaced the British colonial Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing text.
However, the Constituent Assembly decided to hold off on the enforcement of the Indian Constitution for two more days. Here’s why.
Why is Republic Day celebrated on 26 January?
The Constituent Assembly wished to enforce the document on a day famously associated with national pride. To this effect, they picked 26 January. This is because the Indian National Congress (INC), in their Lahore Session, had declared 26 January 1930 as a day of “Purna Swaraj” (complete Independence) from the British and asked all Indians to observe it as Independence Day. The Congress’ decision was made in retaliation to the British offer of India having a dominion status — a self-governing country which stayed within the control of the British Empire. The tricolour was unfurled for the first time during this session.
Twenty years later, 26 January became the day that the Constitution of India was put into effect, effectively completing India’s transition into a sovereign republic.
