Glimpse of India's first Republic Day. Photo -
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Today the 77th Republic Day is being celebrated in the country. On this day 77 years ago, the Constitution of India came into force. Like every time, this time also the army will display its bravery on the duty path (earlier Rajpath) on the special occasion of Republic Day. The echo of the valor of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force in Delhi will be heard across the country.
Things like hoisting of the tricolor by the President, colorful tableaux, military parade and presence of the chief guest are not new on Republic Day, but do you know how the country's first Republic Day was celebrated?
Why was the date of January 26 chosen?
The story of the first Republic Day begins with fixing the date. Have you ever wondered why January 26 was chosen as Republic Day?
This day has been presented in great detail in the book 'India After Gandhi' by famous historian Ramchandra Guha. Guha writes that this date was not new – on 26 January 1930, Congress had demanded complete Swaraj. When the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, it was deliberately brought into force exactly two months later, on 26 January 1950.
How was the first republic celebrated?
On the morning of 26 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan (then Government House). According to Guha, the moment was very emotional as the country was still recovering from the devastation of Partition. The problems of millions of refugees, riots and poverty in the country were at their peak. Meanwhile, the President hoisted the national flag and a 31-gun salute took place. In the evening, Delhi was decorated with lights, the entire city looked like a 'fairytale'.
First Republic Day Parade
Today we see the grand parade on Kartavya Path (Old Rajpath), but the first parade was held at Irwin Amphitheater (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium). Guha writes that more than 3000 soldiers had marched. For the first time, the country had seen the bravery of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force together. The parade included soldiers of all three armies, police and paramilitary forces.
According to Guha, around 15,000 people present in the stadium witnessed the grand parade. Old Liberator planes of the Indian Air Force, which were used in the freedom struggle, flew in the sky. The President took the salute with a 31-gun salute. This parade was not as long as Rajpath, but was simple but heart touching in the stadium.
Why was this day special?
In his book, Guha explains that after 1947 there was an atmosphere of instability in the country. The country was struggling with the fear of war with Pakistan, economic challenges and linguistic disputes. But, the grand ceremony of 26 January 1950 showed that India could be united.
President Rajendra Prasad had said that this day is not just a legal change, but the victory of the dreams of crores of Indians. Indonesian President Sukarno was invited as the guest of honor on the country's first Republic Day.
Also read- Happy Republic Day 2026: Congratulate your loved ones on 77th Republic Day with these 77 beautiful messages.
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