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India Republic Day 2025 - History, Significance, & Why Do We Celebrate It

By Mounika SunkaraJanuary 02, 2025
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India Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th every year to remember when India became a republic in 1950. This year, in 2025, we celebrate the 75th Republic Day. On this day, India’s Constitution was adopted, making the country free to govern itself. It is a day of national pride, and people celebrate with parades, flag hoisting, and cultural events. The biggest celebration takes place in New Delhi, where the military and different states show their strength and traditions. This day honours the leaders and freedom fighters who helped India become independent and build a republic.


Also, read our Republic Day Speech to get inspired by the significance of this important day


Indian FLag


Do You Know?

  • Why January 26?: January 26 was chosen as the date for Republic Day because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress declared the "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Independence) from British rule.

  • The First Republic Day Celebration: India’s first Republic Day in 1950 was a low-key affair, unlike the grand celebrations we see today. The first official Republic Day parade was held in New Delhi, but it was much simpler, and the ceremony didn't have the large-scale grandeur it does now.

  • The Republic Day Parade: The grand Republic Day parade in New Delhi, held at Rajpath, showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and national pride.

  • International Guests: Republic Day celebrations often feature the presence of a foreign dignitary as the chief guest, invited by the Government of India. This tradition started in 1950, with the first chief guest being the Prime Minister of Myanmar, U Nu.


Also Read for Welcome Speech on Republic Day: Celebrating the Spirit of Independence


History Behind India Republic Day

Republic Day is observed to celebrate the implementation of our Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, that further replaced the Government of India Act imposed the date to our country.


India gained independence on August 15, 1947, but until then, India was deprived of any constitution of its own. Rather the laws were majorly based upon the Government of India Act 1935. Later on August 29, 1947, a resolution was passed to appoint the drafting committee, headed by Dr BR Ambedkar, as Chairman to form an independent constitution of our country.


It took around 2 years and 11 months to put together the guidelines under our Indian constitution. Finally, on January 26, 1950, our Indian constitution came into effect. January 26th was chosen as the date as in 1930, Purna Swaraj, the announcement of Indian Independence was signified by the Indian National Congress. So, the country celebrates Independence Day, when India became free from British rule, while Republic Day marks the establishment of the Indian constitution. So, if you are asked, “When was the First Republic Day celebrated”? The answer is 26th January 1950. This year marks the 78th year in which Republic Day is celebrated in 2025.


Significance of India Republic Day

India Republic Day is very important because it marks the day India became a republic in 1950. On this day, the Indian Constitution came into effect, which gave the country its own set of laws and rights. It shows India’s journey from being a colony to a free and independent nation. Republic Day reminds us of the hard work and sacrifices made by our leaders and freedom fighters. It is a day to celebrate democracy, equality, and the values that our Constitution stands for, ensuring every citizen has rights and freedom. We share our happy republic day 2025 wishes to our beloved fellow-mates who thrive to be a responsible citizen every day.


Also, check out our Republic Day Essay to learn more about the history and importance of the day.


Do you want to know why Republic Day is celebrated?

Republic Day is celebrated to honour the day when India became a republic. On January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution came into effect, making India a free and self-governing nation. This is why we celebrate Republic Day – to remember the hard work and sacrifices of the leaders who fought for India’s independence and to honour the values of democracy and equality that our Constitution guarantees.


How are India Republic Day Celebrations Observed?

The people of India observe the historic day of Happy Republic Day with great enthusiasm & pride.


On this day, various flag-hoisting events and parades are organised by the Indian armed forces. Outstanding cultural activities occur in several schools nationwide, such as Parades, singing or dancing, etc.


The most important military parade is held at Rajpath, New Delhi, showcasing a perfect combination of our country’s rich cultural heritage and military abilities. The Ministry of Defence administers the Delhi Republic Day Parade to pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives for the country and to honour bravery awards to military persons, citizens or individuals for their courageous acts for the country's sake.


flag for indian Republic day


A group of regiments of the Indian army marched past the President of India, honouring him with a salute. The parade starts by recognising the winners of gallantry awards, followed by displaying fighting tanks, missiles, and other military equipment. The Prime Minister of India shows a tribute to the personnel of the Indian army who lost their lives for the country by laying a condolence garland at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in their remembrance.


After this, several armed forces like Police or home guards with the National Cadet Corps displayed their enthusiasm by marching on Rajpath. The parade is then followed by multiple gun salutes, hoisting of the national flag and reciting the National anthem. Various chief guests from all over the world are invited to the India Republic day event. The chief guest of Republic Day 2025 will be announced soon in the Indian national media. Gallantry awards are granted to the winners. The event ended with adventurous bike riding and airshows by the Indian Air Force.


India Republic Day Parade

The Republic Day Parade is a big event held in New Delhi every year on January 26th to celebrate India’s Republic Day. It is a grand parade that showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and achievements. The parade starts at Rajpath, with the President of India leading the event. The military displays their strength with marching bands, tanks, and soldiers. Different states also present their traditional dances, costumes, and colourful floats. The parade is watched by thousands of people and is a proud moment for the entire nation. It’s a way to remember India’s progress and honour those who worked hard for the country’s independence.


Theme of India Republic Day 2025

The theme for the India Republic Day 2025 parade is "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" which translates to "Golden India: Heritage and Development". The theme focuses on India's heritage and development.


Interesting Facts About the Constitution of India

Take a look at some of the interesting facts about the Indian Constitution you should know:


  • The Constitution of India is the largest constitution in the world which includes 117,369 handwritten words.

  • Each of the pages of the Indian Constitution is decorated by artists, and more than 2000 amendments were made to the draft.

  • A total of 238 members of the drafting committee signed the constitution.

  • The original copies of the constitution are carefully placed in the library of Parliament House, while the book has 1000 photolithographic reproductions.

  • The Indian constitution doesn’t permit dual citizenship. 

  • It took almost 4 years to write the constitution.

  • The fundamental rights written in our constitution have been adopted from the American constitution.

  • The USSR inspired the concept of Five Year Plan


Summing Up

Now you know that India Republic Day celebrates the establishment & adoption of the Indian Constitution to remind people of the efforts that went into the formation of the constitution. The day emphasises the importance of law & order in a country. It serves as a reminder that without a system of Justice, a country cannot survive, perform or achieve anything. We wish you all a delighted 76th Republic Day.

FAQs on India Republic Day 2025 - History, Significance, & Why Do We Celebrate It

1. What took place on January 26, 1950?

On this day, the Constitution of India was enforced, and it is celebrated as Republic Day across the nation. It marks the transformation of India from an ancient civilization with diverse cultures and kingdoms into a modern republic.

2. Why is January 26, 1930, significant?

On December 19, 1929, the Indian National Congress adopted the historic 'Purna Swaraj' resolution for complete independence during its Lahore session. On January 26, 1930, a public declaration was made, and the Congress Party called on Indians to observe this day as 'Independence Day'.

3. Who hoists the flag on Republic Day?

The national flag hoisting is performed by The President of India every year in honour of the historic day.

4. Who is considered the father of democracy in India?

Mahatma Gandhi, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and B.R. Ambedkar is known for boosting the power of democracy in India.

5. What is the difference between a democracy and a republic?

In a democracy, the power goes with the people, while, in the Republic, it is with the individual citizens.

6. What is Republic Day?

Republic Day is a special day observed in India on 26th January each year. It marks the adoption of the country's constitution and the establishment of India as a sovereign republic.

7. Why do we celebrate Republic Day?

Republic Day celebrates the momentous occasion when India's Constitution came into effect in 1950, replacing colonial rule with a democratic framework. It symbolizes freedom, equality, and the rights of citizens.

8. Why 26 January is Celebrated as Republic Day?

26th January holds historical significance as it was on this day in 1950 that India's Constitution came into force. The date was chosen to honor the declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete independence) in 1930.

9. When is Republic Day celebrated?

Republic Day date is 26th January every year.

10. What happens on Republic Day?

Republic Day is marked by a grand parade in the capital city, New Delhi, showcasing the military might, cultural diversity, and achievements of the nation. It is a day of patriotic fervour and national pride.

11. What is the significance of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi?

The Republic Day Parade in New Delhi showcases India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and achievements. It includes performances, state tableaux, and a display of military hardware, with the President presiding over the event.

12. What is the role of the President of India on Republic Day?

The President hoists the national flag, delivers a speech, presides over the Republic Day Parade, and awards bravery medals to military and civilian honorees.