Our country celebrates our Republic Day on the 26th of January every year. This day is of a great importance in the history of our freedom struggle. On this day in 1930 we took a pledge on the banks of river Ravi at Lahore that we will struggle for the achievement of complete independence ( Poorna Swarajya ) of India. We became independent on 15th August 1947.
We chose 26th January 1950 as our Republic Day. Our new Constitution came into force from this day. India was declared to be a Sovereign, Socialistic, Secular and Democratic Republic. It means the people of our country govern themselves. We have no king and are free of external domination.
Every year on 26th January we celebrate our Republic Day with great pomp and show. At National level a grand function is held at Rajpath in New Delhi. The President of India unfurls the National Flag and the National Anthem is sung. The Rashtrapati takes the salute from all the three wings of our Armed Forces. Police, Home Guards and N.C.C. also participate. The march past is followed by a display of tanks, aeroplanes and guns of the armed forces. Military bands also take part in the parade and play patriotic tunes. The school children in colorful dresses take part in the parade and give colorful P.T. show. Jhankis’ from all the States and Union Territories of India participate in the parade. Folk dances from all the States participate in the celebrations. They present their traditional dances and culture to the people. Airplanes in various formations fly overhead and drop petals of’ roses and other flowers.
At night all the important Government buildings are illuminated. Similar functions are held at all the State capitals and major cities in the country. Our National Festivals remind us of all the sacrifices made by our people for the sake of our freedom. This reminds us that our freedom is hard won and we should defend it by all means.