Indian Republic Day is observed by "We, the People of India," who honour democracy, diversity, and India's collective spirit. As the nation prepares for the 75th Indian Republic Day festivities on January 26, 2024, let us look at some of the highlights of this historic occasion. Indian Republic Day is a national event in India that honours the establishment of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. It is observed annually on January 26th and commemorates the day when the Indian Constitution went into effect, establishing India as an independent republic.
The historical background of January 26 is that on August 29, 1947, a resolution was tabled in the Constituent Assembly to create a Drafting Committee to design India's permanent constitution. As a result, the Drafting Committee was formed, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar serving as chairman. After much deliberation and various amendments, the Draft Constitution was declared as passed by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The Constitution entered into force on November 26, 1949. However, the majority of the Constitution entered into force on January 26, 1950. On that date, India became a true sovereign nation. On January 26, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad saluted with 21 guns and unfurled the Indian National Flag. The 26th of January was subsequently designated as India's Republic Day.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has been invited to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2024. This is the sixth time a French leader will be the primary guest on India's Republic Day.
The 75th Republic Day 2024 procession at Kartavya Path would be women-centric, with women marching contingents comprising the majority of the procession.
For the first time, the procession will begin with 100 female musicians performing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, and others. The parade will also feature an all-female Tri-Service Contingent walking down Kartavya Path for the first time. The CAPF contingents will also include female members. Overall, the India Republic Day Parade 2024 has been planned to feature the best representation of women in the Republic Day Parade to date.
French Participation in the Republic Day Parade
A 33-member band contingent and a 95-member marching troop from France will also participate in the 75th Indian Republic Day Parade in 2024.
This year's fly-past will include one Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft from the French Air Force, in addition to the Indian Air Force's aircraft.
As a first step, around 1,500 farmers and their spouses have been invited as special guests to the Republic Day Parade in 2024. They are made up of farmer representatives from Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), as well as beneficiaries of the PM-KISAN and micro irrigation projects.
This invitation was made in accordance with the government's Jan Bhagidari vision. The goal of inviting the farmers is to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to participate in the national event.
A total of 25 tableaux from 16 states and UTs and 9 ministries and departments will participate in the parade.
The organisation of Vande Bharatam 3.0, the third edition of the Vande Bharatam dance competition, was also part of Republic Day 2024 celebrations. Groups of female performers chosen from this competition will perform at the Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade in 2024.
As part of the India Republic Day Celebrations 2024, the Ministry of Culture plans to hold an event called Parakram Diwas at Red Fort. It will be based on the life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The event will feature a variety of activities, including 3-D projection mapping, a light and sound show, projection mapping with plays and dance performances, and more.
The Ministry of Tourism will host 'Bharat Parv' in the Red Fort in Delhi. Reflecting the 'Jan Bhagidari' theme, it will feature Republic Day tableaus, cultural performances, military band performances, a crafts bazaar, and food courts featuring pan-Indian cuisine.
