๐ On This Page
About the Day
What is Republic Day?
Republic Day marks the date โ 26 January 1950 โ when the Constitution of India came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of the nation. This made India a sovereign, democratic republic โ transferring power from a constitutional monarchy to a republic where the people are supreme.
"The Constitution is not a mere lawyers' document; it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age."
26 Jan
1950 โ Constitution came into force
395
Articles in original Constitution
2 yr 11 mo
Time taken to draft the Constitution
448
Articles in current Constitution
Why 26 January?
The Significance of 26 January
The date 26 January was chosen deliberately โ it is historically significant as the day the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) in 1930, at the Lahore Congress session. Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian tricolour on the banks of the Ravi river on 26 January 1930 โ making it the first "Independence Day" before actual independence was achieved.
- 26 Jan 1930Indian National Congress declares Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) from British rule at the Lahore Congress session. The tricolour is hoisted for the first time.
- 15 Aug 1947India gains independence. The Government of India Act (1935) remains in force temporarily while the new Constitution is being drafted.
- 29 Aug 1947Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.
- 26 Nov 1949The Constituent Assembly formally adopts the Constitution. This date is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) every year.
- 26 Jan 1950The Constitution of India comes into force. Dr. Rajendra Prasad is sworn in as India's first President. India officially becomes a republic. The first Republic Day parade is held at Irwin Amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium).
Our Foundation
India's Constitution โ Key Facts
- 1World's Longest Written ConstitutionIndia's Constitution is the world's longest written constitution of any sovereign nation โ with 448 articles, 12 schedules, and 105 amendments (as of 2024). It was handwritten and beautifully calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in a flowing italic style.
- 2Dr. B.R. Ambedkar โ Chief ArchitectDr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee and is honored as the father of India's Constitution. A Dalit lawyer and economist who faced severe discrimination throughout his life, he ensured the Constitution's core commitment to equality and the abolition of untouchability (Article 17).
- 3Fundamental Rights (Part III)Articles 12โ35 guarantee six fundamental rights to all citizens: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies โ the "heart and soul" of the Constitution (Dr. Ambedkar's words).
- 4Directive Principles & Fundamental DutiesPart IV outlines Directive Principles of State Policy โ guidelines for the government to create a just society (equal pay for equal work, free legal aid, uniform civil code). The 42nd Amendment (1976) added Fundamental Duties โ 11 duties every citizen owes to the nation and fellow citizens.
The Grand Parade
The Republic Day Parade โ India's Greatest Show
Kartavya Path (New Delhi)
The Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) in New Delhi is India's grandest annual event. The President of India โ as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces โ takes the salute. The parade showcases military might through marching contingents, tanks, missiles, and aircraft flypasts; India's cultural diversity through state tableaux; and citizens' achievements through National Bravery Award winners and schoolchildren. A foreign Head of State is traditionally invited as the Chief Guest each year.
Key Elements of the Parade: Beating Retreat ceremony on 29 January closes the Republic Day celebrations. State capitals hold their own parades with the Governor taking the salute. Schools across India hold flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes.
How to Observe
Meaningful Ways to Observe Republic Day
Hoist the Tricolour
Hoist the national flag at your home, school, or institution following the Flag Code of India. The flag should be hoisted at sunrise and lowered at sunset. Use a proper flag of correct dimensions and material.
Watch the Parade
Watch the Republic Day Parade live from Kartavya Path on Doordarshan or DD News. Attend local parades in your city or state capital. Share the experience with children โ explain what each contingent represents.
Read the Preamble
Read India's Preamble aloud โ it is 85 words that contain the entire soul of the Indian republic. Many schools recite the Preamble as part of Republic Day programmes. Do it with your family today.
Visit a Museum or Monument
Visit a museum of national importance, a freedom fighter's memorial, or a historical monument. Many are open free on Republic Day. India Gate, Raj Ghat, or local museums are excellent choices.
Patriotic Arts with Children
Draw the national flag, create a map of India, write an essay on a freedom fighter, or design a poster on the theme of national unity. Art is one of the most powerful ways to teach civic pride.
Know Your Rights & Duties
Read India's six Fundamental Rights and eleven Fundamental Duties today. Understanding both โ what the nation owes you and what you owe the nation โ is the foundation of responsible citizenship.
The Preamble
Preamble of the Constitution of India
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA,
having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a
SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual
and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949,
do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a
SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual
and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949,
do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
Dr. Ambedkar's Final Speech in the Constituent Assembly (25 Nov 1949):
"On 26th January 1950, India will be an independent country. What would happen to her independence? Will she maintain her independence or will she lose it again?... If we wish to maintain democracy not merely in form, but also in fact, what must we do? The first thing in my judgement we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives."
National Symbols to Know:
๐ชท National Flower: Lotus ยท ๐ฏ National Animal: Bengal Tiger ยท ๐ฆ National Bird: Peacock ยท ๐ National Game: Hockey ยท ๐ถ National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana (Tagore) ยท ๐ต National Song: Vande Mataram (Bankim Chandra)
"On 26th January 1950, India will be an independent country. What would happen to her independence? Will she maintain her independence or will she lose it again?... If we wish to maintain democracy not merely in form, but also in fact, what must we do? The first thing in my judgement we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives."
National Symbols to Know:
๐ชท National Flower: Lotus ยท ๐ฏ National Animal: Bengal Tiger ยท ๐ฆ National Bird: Peacock ยท ๐ National Game: Hockey ยท ๐ถ National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana (Tagore) ยท ๐ต National Song: Vande Mataram (Bankim Chandra)