Republic Day Celebrations and Events in India
The Republic Day celebrations and events in India commences with the Prime Minister of India commemorating the dead soldiers of the country by laying a garland at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate. This is followed by a gun salute after which the President of India unfurls the prestigious National Tricolor of India amidst the National Anthem.
The President on the occasion of the Republic Day is accompanied by a distinguished foreign Head of State that is the chief Guest who is specially invited for the Republic Day Celebration.
Next lined up at the events for the Republic Day is the wonderful Parade that starts with the winners of bravery awards, which passes the President of India in open jeeps. President of India, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes in the salute at this grand parade. The latest acquisitions of the Indian Military such as missiles, radars and tanks are also showcased on this occasion.
Shortly, medals and awards of bravery are presented to those from the Indian armed forces by President for their courage. The civilians are also recognized and awarded for excelling in different fields, through their acts of bravery.
A cultural parade follows the military parade. The cultural parade upholds at its best the historical locations, rich culture and art, festivals and the unique features amidst the diversity of the land. This adds to the festivity of the occasion.
Tableaus from different ministries and government departments in India are presented thereby showcasing their contribution in the growth and development of the nation. School children from all across India take part in the parade. Folk dances and songs, motor-cycle rides etc are also presented. The parade ends with the fly past by the Indian Air Force. The most eagerly awaited part of the parade is the fly past, put on by the Indian Air Force. The fighter planes of the IAF passes the dais which is actually considered to be a symbolical salute to the President.
Celebrations also take place in the different states and the state capitals in which the Governor of the respective states unfurls the National Flag of India. Republic day celebrations are held at various district headquarters, sub divisions, Talukas and Panchayats.
Prime Minister's Rally
The Republic Day celebration happens to be a 3 day burlesque. Just after the Republic Day, on 27th of January, every year, a Prime Minister's Rally is organized by the N.C.C cadets. It displays some of the wonderful performances. Lok Tarang: The Folk Dance Festival. The Ministry of Culture under the Government of India in connection with the 7 Zonal Cultural Centers arranges a national dance festival called the "Lok Tarang" from 24th to 29th of January, every year. This folk dance festival comes as an exclusive opportunity for the people to be a part of the vibrant and colorful folk dances of India.
Beating the Retreat: End of the Republic Day
Beating the Retreat marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations officially. The major Government Buildings are decorated. The 'Beating the Retreat' event is held on the 3rd day post the Republic Day that is on 29th January evening. The ceremony commences with the massed bands from 3 services, which marches in unison, amidst the famous marching tunes. Solo performances known as Drummer's Call are given by the drummers.
A bugle call for Retreat follows after this, whereby the band master seeks permission from the President to take away the bands, thereby closing the ceremony. The closing ceremony sees the marching back of the bands on the famous martial tune namely, "Saare Jahan Se Achcha". At 6 pm exactly, the buglers call for the retreat and the prestigious Tricolor is then lowered followed by the National Anthem. Thus the Republic Day celebrations and events in India receive a formal end.
Last Updated on : 01/24/2013
