Republic Day has great significance to the people of India. In 2024, India will be celebrating its 74th Republic Day. So, many people from all around the globe will join India to celebrate this special day. Let us know some facts about Republic Day. Also, learn how to go to the Republic Day Parade 2024.
History of Republic Day: Why do we celebrate 26 January?
India got freedom from British Rule on the 15th of August in 1947. Yet, the country did not have a permanent constitution. It was because the country was following the laws based on the Government of India Act 1935. Yet, after the independence, a Drafting Committee came into the picture. Dr. B R Ambedkar was the head of this committee. This Drafting Committee prepared a draft constitution. Then they submitted it to the Constituent Assembly. This happened on the 4th of November, 1947.
Then there were many sessions and meetings to finalize the Constitution. So, the draft went through some modifications. On 24 January 1950, 308 members of the Assembly approved the constitution. Then these documents were hand-written in two languages, Hindi and English. Next, the 308 members signed on it. After two days, the Constitution of India as an independent country came into effect. Thus, it established India as a completely independent country.
Also, there is an interesting fact behind the chosen date. The British offered the status of Dominion to India. But, the Indian National Congress was against it. So, they proclaimed complete independence on the 26th of January in 1929 to oppose it. Thus, the leaders chose the 26th of January as Republic Day.
Where is Republic Day celebrated in India?
Republic Day celebrations in India occur in every state. But, the main republic day is celebrated in the capital city Delhi. Here Republic Day is celebrated at the Rajpath.
How is Republic Day celebrated in Delhi?
Republic Day is a grand event in Delhi. The famous Republic Day Parade takes place on this day. The parade starts from Rashtrapati Bhawan along the Rajpath and then ends at India Gate. Also, there are performances by the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Moreover, there are parades by floats from different states. Besides, many schools take part to perform cultural programs on this day. The Prime Minister and the President of India attend the Republic Day celebration.
After the Republic Day celebration there comes the Beating Retreat Ceremony. This takes place at Vijay Chowk on Rajpath on 29th January each year. In this event, the three wings of the Indian armed forces show their performances.
How Republic day will be celebrated in 2024?
The Prime Minister and the President of India will be present on this day at the Rajpath. At first, the Prime Minister will present a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. This is to pay respect to the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the country. Then the President will start the event by hoisting the national flag of India. At this time, everyone will sing the National Anthem and there will be a 21-gun salute by the soldiers.
Republic Day 2024 attractions
- There will be a 30-minute delay in the Republic Day parade. On January 26, it will begin at 10:30 a.m. (IST).
- To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, the theme for the Republic Day parade of 2024 will be ‘India@75’.
- At the parade, 25 tableaus will be displayed representing various states of India.
- The Indian Army will be displaying its PT-76 tank, Dhanush howitzers, electronic warfare system, and two Taran Shakti electronic warfare systems.
- During the Republic Day parade, the Indian Army will display six marching contingents, including the Rajput Regiment and the Assam Regiment, and 17 military bands.
- In addition, there will be two motorcycle formations, one of which includes a women’s team.
- 75 aircraft from the Indian Air Force will participate in the flypast.
- A laser projection mapping will be featured in New Delhi’s Beat the Retreat. A drone show will also take place.
- Since the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose falls on January 23 this year instead of January 24, Republic Day celebrations began on January 23.
Who is the chief guest of Republic Day 2024?
The President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, is set to visit India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in 2024. This visit comes at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. India and France, as strategic partners, share a close relationship with a high degree of convergence on various regional and global issues. This visit is significant as it marks President Macron as the sixth French leader to participate in India’s Republic Day parade, underscoring the deep ties between the two nations​​​​​.
The Republic Day celebration in 2024 will also be a momentous occasion as it caps the 25th anniversary of strategic military ties between India and France. These ties have been highly beneficial, particularly for France in terms of arms trade worth billions of euros. The visit of President Macron is not only a gesture of diplomatic goodwill but also a reflection of the strong and multi-faceted relations between the two countries​.
When and where can you purchase tickets for the parade?
You are wondering how to go to the Republic Day Parade? You can get tickets for Republic Day Parade between January 7 and 25 at various places. Yet, for VIP passes, you need to get in touch with senior government officials in Delhi. Please note that you must carry an Aadhar card, Voter ID Card, or Passport at the ticket counter.
You can get Republic Day Parade tickets at the below outlets.
- North Block Roundabout
- Sena Bhawan (Gate 2)
- Pragati Maidan (Gate 1 at Bhairon Road).
- Jantar Mantar (Main Gate).
- Shastri Bhawan (near Gate 3).
- Jamnagar House (opposite India Gate).
- Red Fort (inside August 15 Park and opposite Jain Temple).
- Parliament House Reception Office, special counter for Members of Parliament.
Below are the times to get the Republic Day Parade Tickets.
- 10 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
- 02 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Also, Sena Bhawan will sell tickets till 7. p.m. for 3 days starting from 23 to 25 January. Yet, all the outlets will remain closed on 23rd January for Dress Rehearsal for the event. Besides, from these outlets, you can get tickets for the Beating Retreat Ceremony (for Full Dress Rehearsal on January 28). For this, the tickets are available till the 28th of January at 3 p.m.
Find below the prices for the Republic Day Parade Tickets.
- For reserved seats – Rs. 500
- For unreserved seats – Rs. 20, Rs. 100
- For Beating Retreat Ceremony Full Dress Rehearsal – Rs. 50, Rs. 20 (all unreserved seats)
Tips on how to get tickets for the Republic Day Parade
- There is a huge demand for Rs. 500 tickets. But, you can only purchase one ticket per ID card. So, try to go early in the morning to stand in the queue for this ticket.
- The 100 Rs. Tickets are easily available. But, you can purchase a maximum of two tickets per ID Card.
- There are decent supplies for Rs. 20 tickets.
- If you need more information, contact Mr. Rajeev Kumar Kundi, Officer on Special Duty at (011) 2301-0047.
Frequently Asked Questions Republic Day Celebrations in IndiaÂ
Are mobile phones allowed in Republic Day Parade?
No, mobile phones are not allowed in the Republic Day parade. Besides, you cannot carry a camera or any other electronic devices. Also, leave your remote control car keys while going for the R Day parade.
What is the time of flag hoisting on Republic Day?
The time of Flag hoisting on Republic day is between 7- 8 a.m.
Who takes the military salute on Republic Day?
The President of India is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of India. So the President takes the military salute on Republic Day.
Are there online tickets for the republic day parade 2024?
No. online tickets for Republic Day Parade 2024 are not available. You need to visit certain outlets to get tickets.
What is the difference between Independence Day and Republic Day?
India got freedom from the British Rule on Independence Day. But, India became a republic on the day it got its constitution. Independence Day of India is on the 15th Of August. Republic Day of India is on the 26th of January.
Why is Rajpath well known?
Rajpath is known for its historical and political connections. Many political figures live here. Moreover, the Republic Day Parade takes place at Rajpath.
Which award is presented during the Republic Day parade?
Awards for bravery are presented to the soldiers on Republic Day. Below are some of the Awards presented during Republic Day. - Mahavir Chakra - Vir Chakra - Padma Awards - Jeevan Rakshak
Is republic day dry day in India?
On Dry days one cannot sell alcohol. Republic Day is a dry day in India.
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