Republic Day 2024: Here are some Interesting facts you need to know

Republic Day 2024: India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day this year. This celebration includes the annual Rajpath parade in New Delhi, now known as Kartavya Path. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest for the event this year. The day marks the adaptation of India’sIndia’s Constitution on January 26, 1950. 

This will be the 6th time a French leader will be the chief guest at the celebrations in the national capital. Last year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the chief guest.

Here are some interesting facts about this day:

• The 2024 Republic Day theme is “India – Mother of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
• The first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, unfurled the national flag on January 26, 1950, marking the birth of the Indian Republic. 

• Republic Day commemorates when the Constitution of India came into effect as the country became a sovereign state after gaining its independence on August 15, 1947. 

• The constitution replaced the British colonial Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing text.

• In 1950, the inaugural Republic Day procession took place. Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, formerly the Irwin Amphitheatre, served as the venue. Over 100 aircraft and 3,000 Indian military men took part in the display.

• Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest of India’s first Republic Day parade. 

• Rajpath had its inaugural parade in 1955. Interestingly, Pakistan’s Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad, was the chief guest at the occasion. 

• The Beating Retreat ceremony has its roots in a 1600s custom and is held annually on January 29 at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. The custom of announcing the troops’ homecoming dates back to King James II, who commanded his soldiers to beat drums, lower flags, and stage a parade to mark the conclusion of a battle day.

• This year’s Republic Day parade will feature two all-women contingents from the defence forces marching. “One contingent, consisting of 144 personnel, will comprise all women soldiers, with 60 from the Army and the remainder from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy,” stated defence officials.