Republic Day

The Indian Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26th January to commemorate the day on which the Constitution of India came into force. Every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan(President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate, showcasing the military prowess and the diverse cultural heritage of India.

Before the commencement of the grand parade, the Prime Minister of the country lays a wreath at the India Gate, a memorial to unknown soldiers. The President of the country then hoists the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute. Different regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations and the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Tableaux, representing different States, Central Ministries and Departments, showcase the varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country. Children from various schools, representing unity in diversity, perform folk dances from different states.

Celebrations are also held in state capitals, where the Governor of the state unfurls the national flag.

Beating the Retreat :
Beating the Retreat ceremony officially denotes the end of Republic Day Celebrations. It is conducted on the evening of 29th January, the third day after the Republic Day. On the occasion, massed bands march to popular tunes and drummers also give solo performances. At 6 pm, the buglers sound the retreat and the National Flag is lowered to formally end the Republic Day celebrations. Every evening from January 26th to 29th, all the major government buildings are illuminated with lights.

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