This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
National festivals are a proud moment for every citizen, and one such celebrated with pomp and circumstances is Republic Day.
Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and esteem throughout the country, with the words Jana Gana Mana echoing from every nook and corner. Paper flags and display pieces are sold at every turn of the road, and the colours of saffron, white and green dominate every shopfront.
Are you excited to welcome this historic day too? Read on to learn more about celebrating Republic Day in 2024.
Table of Contents
Republic Day date and holiday
Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January every year. It’s a gazetted national holiday observed by schools, banks, and offices.
Significance of the day
On January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution came into force across the country. The Constituent Assembly worked for almost three years and garnered inputs from over sixty other countries’ constitutions to prepare the draft. It was finally adopted on November 26, 1949, and two months later, it became effective in all the states and union territories.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the country, empowering its citizens with certain rights as well as assigning them some responsibilities. That’s why the signing is commemorated as Republic Day.
How is it usually celebrated?
Salute the flying flag
Flag hoisting is the most indivisible part of Republic Day. Schools, colleges, universities and all such social institutions hold ceremonies early morning, with teachers delivering inspiring speeches and students participating in cultural shows.
Prominent figures in society are often invited as chief guests and have the honour of hoisting the tricolour. Hundred of fellow Indians singing the national anthem in unison fills the air with a palpable sense of belongingness and unity, which is undoubtedly the pinnacle moment of the ceremony.
Watch the parade at Rajpath
The capital of the country sees the highlight of the countrywide celebrations- the grand Republic Day Parade. The event begins with the Prime Minister laying the wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti and the President unfurling the flag.
The parade then proceeds from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, wherein different regiments of the Indian National Army march in all their finery and official decorations, and troupes from several states give cultural performances depicting the heritage of the country. Gallantry awards like Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Vir Chakra and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are also presented.
Image © Caleb Kung/Flickr
Towards the end of the ceremony, the Air Force puts on a grand flypast as the fighter jets whizz in and out of breathtaking formations at the highest speeds.
Whether you are witnessing the parade in person or watching it on your television screen from home, your chests are sure to puff with pride and patriotism.
Republic Day Parade 2024
The Republic Day parade for the year 2024 will be held at Kartavya Path (Rajpath).
Although the details regarding the Republic Day parade for the year 2024 are yet to be confirmed, the Republic Day Parade 2024 might have only women participants in the contingents (marching and band), tableaux and other performances during the parade at the Kartavya Path.
In the last few years, a few all-women contingents and women officers, including those leading military contingents comprising men, have taken part in the annual parade on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path).
Having showcased its military might and vibrant cultural heritage during the 74th Republic Day Parade held on 26 January 2023 on the dominant theme of ‘Nari Shakti’, the Indian armed forces have taken several measures to promote gender equality in the Republic parade
Image © The Times of India
