Republic Day (India) 2014

Please Read These Links:

http://www.knowindia.gov.in/republicday/celebrations.php

http://republicday.nic.in/

Republic Day (India)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Day_(India)

In India, Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into force–on 26 January 1950–replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.^[1]

The Constitution was passed in the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition toward becoming an independent republic.

26 January was the date selected for this purpose because it was this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.^[2]

It is one of three national holidays in India, other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

Celebrations

Independence Day in India is the celebration of victory over British Rule that succeeded a long fought war through violent and non-violent means, Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India . On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India .

Chief guest

Since 1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. During 1950-1954, Republic Day celebrations were organized at different venues (like Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila Grounds).^[3] It was only starting 1955 when the parade in its present form was organized at Rajpath.^[3] The guest country is chosen after a deliberation of strategic, economic and political interests. During 1950s-1970s, a number of NAM and Eastern Bloc countries were hosted by India. In the post-Cold War era, India has also invited several Western leaders on a state visit during the Republic Day. It is notable that before India fought bloody wars with China and Pakistan, leaders from these countries were invited as state guests for the Republic Day celebrations. Interestingly, Pakistan Food and Agriculture Minister was the second state guest from that country for Republic Day in 1965, a few days after which the two countries went to a war. Countries which have been invited multiple times include India's neighbours (Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius), defence allies (Russia/USSR, France and Britain), trade partners (Brazil) and NAM allies (Nigeria and erstwhile Yugoslavia). France has the distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum (four) number of times followed by three visits each from Bhutan, Mauritius and USSR/Russia.