The roots of Republic Day trace back to the Indian Independence Act of July 18, 1947, which ended British rule and transferred legislative authority to India’s Constituent Assembly
This year, the nation will be celebrating the 77th Republic Day on Monday. Representational Pic
Republic Day, observed every year on January 26, is one of India’s most significant national holidays. It commemorates the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, officially transforming India into a sovereign democratic republic. While Independence Day on August 15 celebrates the country’s liberation from British rule in 1947, Republic Day highlights the adoption of a Constitution that established a government “by the people, for the people” and enshrined democratic values for all citizens.
This year, the nation will be celebrating the 77th Republic Day on Monday.
Although India became independent on August 15, 1947, it took almost three years to draft and finalise the Constitution. The inaugural Republic Day on January 26, 1950, was marked with a 21-gun salute and the unfurling of the national flag by Dr Rajendra Prasad, who assumed office as India’s first President. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually as a national holiday, with patriotic fervour and official ceremonies across the country, as per reports.
Republic Day 2026: History and Significance
The roots of Republic Day trace back to the Indian Independence Act of July 18, 1947, which ended British rule and transferred legislative authority to India’s Constituent Assembly.
The Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution, and a drafting committee was formed under the leadership of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, widely regarded as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.” The draft Constitution was submitted in November 1948, and extensive debates and discussions followed over the next year to refine its content and ensure it addressed the aspirations of a diverse nation.
January 26 was specifically chosen for the Constitution’s adoption to honour the Purna Swaraj (“Complete Self-Governance”) declaration passed by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1930. The Constitution, one of the longest in the world, not only established India as a democratic republic and a union of states but also provided citizens with fundamental rights and a framework for governance.
Today, Republic Day serves as a reminder of India’s sovereignty, democracy, and the responsibilities of its citizens. It is a day to reflect on the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and to celebrate the country’s journey from colonial rule to self-governance and democratic stability.
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