Republic Day 2023

India marks its Republic Day annually on January 26. This year, the day falls on Thursday, with citizens of the country marking it as the 74th Republic Day. The celebrations will begin with President Draupadi Murmu unfurling the national flag on the recently unveiled Kartavaya Path, formerly known as Rajpath. Every year, millions of Indians witness the rich tradition, cultural heritage, spectacle of the nation's progress and achievements, and airshows by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force on television. Apart from this, the public can experience these events, including the Republic Day Parade rehearsal, the parade and the Beating the Retreat ceremony, on Kartavaya Path.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest at the parade.

The week-long celebrations commenced on January 23, the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. To mark the occasion, a one-of-a-kind Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival 'Aadi Shaurya - Parv Parakram ka' was organised in New Delhi on 23 and 24 January.

The events will culminate on 30th January, which is observed as Martyrs' Day.

The celebrations are marked by attractive performances from Vande Bharatam group of dancers from across the country, tales of bravery by Veer Gatha 2.0 participants, melodious performances by School Bands at the National War Memorial, the first-ever e-invitations, the largest-ever drone show and 3-D anamorphic projection.

History and Significance:

Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950. While India gained independence from the British Raj in 1947, it wasn't until January 26, 1950, that the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country became a sovereign state, declaring it a republic. The Constituent Assembly held its first session on December 9, 1946, and the last on November 26, 1949, and then the Constitution was adopted a year later. Dr BR Ambedkar headed the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. On this day, India also marks Constitution Day.

Republic Day commemorates the spirit of independent India. On this day, in 1930, the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj from colonial rule. Republic Day also commemorates Indian citizens' power to choose their government democratically. The country marks it as a national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Constitution.

Republic Day Celebration:

Republic Day celebrations are marked with much enthusiasm in the country. On this day, the President unfurls the national flag followed by spectacular military and cultural pageantry. Additionally, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country, and brave soldiers are awarded Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra. Live webcast of the Republic Day Parade is also made accessible every year to millions of people.

The Parade:

The Republic Day parade, which will begin at around 10:30 am, will be a unique mix of the country's military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country's growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti, and the emergence of a 'New India'.

The parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. Amongst the many firsts, the 21-gun salute will be given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns.

It replaces the vintage 25-pounder gun, reflecting upon the growing 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path.

The parade will commence with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.