India will celebrate its 73rd Republic Day this year, on 26th January 2022. Seven decades and three years ago on January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into effect as the governing document of the country. Since then, every year 26th of January is celebrated as the Republic Day of India.
This year, like last year, there will be limited events in the national ceremony of Republic Day celebrations. There will only be National Flag Hoisting, speech, and ceremonial parade. Only 21 tableaux have been shortlisted this time. Despite the limited events, emotions are high among countrymen, women, and children alike to celebrate the day with as much enthusiasm as ever before.
73rd Republic Day 2022 – The nation gets together to celebrate birth of the Constitution
On this day, the President of India hoists the Indian flag at Rajpath in the national capital of New Delhi. 26th of January is one of the most significant days for the nation, besides the Independence Day. It is of immense historical importance, as it marks the formation of India as a republic nation after its Independence from the British rule.
Recommended: Republic Day 2022 Speech – Read this heartfelt and patriotic speech for my fellow countrymen, and 26 January Speech writing tips for students (Read Complete Story)
73rd Republic Day Parade
This year Republic Day parade will be held at the Central Vista in Delhi.
Every year the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath attract a huge amount of audience and is broadcasted on almost all the television channels and aired online in the internet and other media. The Republic day parade is organised by the Ministry of Defence. Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, other paramilitary forces and police forces take part in the parade.
This year the Republic Day Parade has been scheduled 30 minutes later than usual, owing to predictions of fog in the morning. The parade will thus start at 10:30 am this time.
The Republic Day celebrations demonstrates the cultural heritage and diversity of India, with a few representatives who showcase the regional culture of the part of the country they are from. Another important part of the celebrations is the award distribution. Every year the Padma awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri) are awarded to recognized people honouring their ‘exceptional and distinguished service’ to the country.
21 Gun salute will be presented to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
Who will be the Chief Guest on 73rd Republic Day, 26th January 2022?
On the republic day, India invites a Chief Guest, who is mostly the political leader of another country, to take part in its celebrations. The Republic Day is a national holiday, with various government organisations, offices, educational institutions and other private institutions organising flag hoisting ceremonies, parades and other cultural programmes. However, for the second year in a row the ceremony will not a foreign dignitary as a Chief Guest.
History of Republic Day of India – What happened on January 26, 1950?
On August 15, 1947 India got its Independence from the British, after decades of struggle. The Indian laws were based on the Government of India Act, 1935. A few days after declaring the independence, a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft the Constitution of India, under Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. After almost 3 years of discussions and deliberations, a few modifications were made and the final draft, the ‘Constitution of India’ was declared as the governing document of India.
The Constitution of India
The Constitution of India is the ‘supreme law of India’. It was prepared by taking into consideration the political, cultural, economical and historical factors in all parts of the country and a number of provisions were made to safeguard the citizens of India and guarantee basic fundamental rights to all. The constitution recognises 3 sources of governmental power, ie., the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executives. The constitution has a preamble and 470 articles, with a total of 104 amendments to this day. It is a flexible document, open to modifications and amendments as the country progresses and encounters other changes.
The Constitution declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and a democratic republic. It mentions the fundamental rights of all the citizens of India, which includes the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights. The many provisions and articles of the constitution are influenced by those of other countries, the chief among them being the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
Republic Day 2022
Owing to the rising cases of COVID in the country, the Republic Day celebrations will face heavy restrictions all over the country. The audience at Rajpath is expected to be around 20-30% of the usual crowd. Also, only those people who have been vaccinated twice and are above the age of 15 years, will be allowed to enter the Rajpath premises. No chief guest will be present this year, just like the previous year. Social distancing, strict seating arrangements and other COVID protocols will be followed. Further, educational institutions are likely to conduct online celebrations, with minimum faculty members to be present for flag hoisting ceremonies.
