Young soldiers practice their routine parade at Rajpath

Indian soldiers parading down the Rajpath on a cold morning in preparation for the 65th Republic Day Parade, New Delhi, India.

Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. In India, Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into force--on 26 January 1950--replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.

The Constitution was passed in the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition toward becoming an independent republic. To make the event in a memorable and significant way, every year in New Delhi, capital of India, a grand parade is held which is know as the Republic Day Parade. The 26 January -- Republic Day Parade starts from the Raisina Hill in the neighborhood of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan and passes along the Rajpath and ends at the India Gate.

26 January was the date selected for this purpose because it was this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress. It is one of three national holidays in India, other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

The President, Prime Minister and other high rank officials of India make their presence at Rajpath to celebrate the occasion. The President unfolds the National flag as soon as the National Anthem is played and also addresses the nation with Republic Day speech. This is followed by the Grand Republic Day Parade.

During this parade, different regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations. Even the horses of the cavalry are attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. Even the creme of N.C.C cadets, selected from all over the country and the school children from various schools in the capital take part in this parade. Furthermore, the Republic Day parade also includes lively displays and exhibits India's rich and colouful culture and also brings the entire nation together.

The real heroes of the nation are honoured with the bravery awards and medals. National Awards are given to children for selfless sacrifice and bravery. The parade concludes with the flypast by Indian Air Force jets.

source - Wikipedia

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