26th January is the Republic Day of India. Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, The Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950. So Republic Day is a very special day in Indian history and the greatest festival celebrated in the country. It is celebrated every year on January 26, in New Delhi with great pomp, fanfare and pageant. While in the capitals of the States and other headquarters, it is marked with patriotic fervor. The most spectacular celebrations are marked by the Republic Day Parade that takes place in the capital of New Delhi at Rajpath. It includes march past of the three armed forces, massive parades, folk dances by tribal folk from different states in picturesque costumes marking the cultural unity of India. Further, the streak of jet planes of Indian Air Force, leaving a trial of colored smoke, marks the end of the festival.
It was the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress at midnight of December 31, 1929 – January 1, 1930, that the Tri-Color Flag was unfurled by the nationalists and a pledge was taken that on January 26 every year, “Republic Day” would be celebrated and that the people would unceasingly strive for the establishment of a Sovereign Democratic Republic India.
On 28th August 1947 a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft the permanent constitution under the chairmanship of Sri Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. A draft constitution was prepared and submitted to the Assembly on 4th November 1947. The 308 members of the Assembly finally signed two copies of the Constitution (one each in Hindi and English) after many deliberations and some modifications on 24th January 1950. The President of India put the final seal on 26th January 1950.
The professed pledge was successfully redeemed on January 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India came into force, although the Independence from the British rule was already achieved on August 15, 1947. It is because of this fact that August 15 is celebrated as Independence Day, while January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day.
The Republic Day celebrations of India have rightly become world famous as one of the greatest shows on earth drawing thousands of eager sight-seers from all over the country and many parts of the world as well. No other country can draw on such a wealth of tribal traditions and cultures, with so many regional forms of dances and dress. And, no other country in the world can parade so many ethnically different people in splendid uniforms, all united in their proven loyalty to the Government elected by the people and in their proud traditions and legendary gallantry.
Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Note: In 1947 Smt M.S.Subbulakshmi and Sri Dilip Kumar Roy cut a 78 RPM Disc with a duet rendition of the famous nationalistic song “Vande Maataram” set to a different Ragamalika (the Desh version was not yet popularised then) including all the additional stanzas which are not sung any more. As an Republic Day Special, we offer you that rare recording, and possibly the only complete version of “Vande Maataram” ever recorded
[See post to watch Flash video]
[See post to watch Flash video]
