Saturday, 26 January 2013

Festivals of India in the month of January




Republic Day

 

*Janaganamana Adhinayaka, Jaya he, Bharatabhagyavidhata!


Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th every year, is one of India’s most important national events. It was on January 26th, 1950 that the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state.

India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru signing the constitution on 24th Jan,1950.

A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, it came into effect throughout the nation.

On this day, India finally enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together even in her embedded diversity.It’s when regional identity takes a backseat and what matters most is the universal appeal of unity and brotherhood projected by all Indians.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh laying wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, New Delhi.

Republic Day is celebrated most majestically in the capital, New Delhi. The grand parade on Rajpath in New Delhi on the 26th of January is the main event of the celebration of India's Republic Day which is a three-day celebration, culminating in the beating retreat ceremony on the evening of the 29th January.  The symbols of the great nation's military might and cultural wealth are displayed in what is the world's most impressive parade. All Government buildings are illuminated lending the city the atmosphere of a fairyland. This day is celebrated with much zeal and pride all across the nation. 

Chhattisgarh tableaux at Rajpath
West Bengal tableaux at Rajpath












View of Rajpath, during the 64th Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Since 1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. This year, the Chief Guest is the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Chief Guest of Republic Day the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck being received by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony, on their arrival at Salami Manch, on the occasion of the 64th Republic day celebrations, at Rajpath, in New Delhi.

JAY HIND!

* "Janaganamana....." is the National Song of India.

Image courtesy:  i) Photo Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
                          ii) http://pib.nic.in/archive/50yrs/50phto/50g/soc5.html

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