India gained its independence
on 15 August 1947, after which the process of preparing a constitution was
started. The Constitution was passed on 26
November 1949 in the Constituent Assembly. It was adopted on 26
January 1950 with a democratic government system, when the country became a
republic in true sense. 26 January was selected, because it was this day in
1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was
passed.
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| Indian Air Force |
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| Incredible India |
To mark this occasion, a grand
parade is held near Rajpath in New Delhi, the capital of
India, beginning from Raisina Hill near
the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace),
along the Rajpath,
past India Gate and
on to the historic Red Fort in the old quarter of the city. Different
infantry, cavalry and mechanized regiments compose the Indian Army,
the Indian Marines and the Indian Air
Force's march in formation, who are decked in all their finery and
official decorations.
The President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed
Forces, relishes the salute. The Chief Guest of the parade is the Head
of State or Head of Government of another nation. The parade also includes many
traditional dance troupes, to symbolize the cultural heritage of India. It
traditionally ends with a colorful fly past
by Indian Air Force jets in a tiranga formation.
Similar parades are held in the capitals of
all the states of India, where the governors of respective states
take the salute. The official conclusion of Republic Day festivities is much
later on 29 January, three days after the Republic Day, which is called
'Beating Retreat'.
