Most Indians know that January 26 is our Republic Day, our Constitution came in force on that day, and colourful processions are organised by central and state governments on that day. We also know it’s a national holiday. But like all historical celebrations, India’s Republic Day also has some lesser known facets waiting for discovery. Here are 3 of them.
The first Republic ‘Day’ was actually 3 days, and involved Gandhiji’s favourite song
The Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, as we all know. But the celebrations actually lasted for 3 days. On January 29, ‘The Beating Retreat’ ceremony was held. The popular English hymn ‘Abide by Me’ was played at the march past. It was a favourite song of Mahatma Gandhi. This went on till 2020. It was dropped last year as the government wanted to play more Indian tunes, but could not freeze on a song. This year, ‘Ae mere watan ke logon’, the patriotic song by Kavi Pradeep would be played, along with some other patriotic tunes.
Rajpath was NOT the venue of the Republic Day parade till 1955
The Republic Day parade at Rajpath is world famous. It’s a great spectacle, complete with colourful tableaus of the states, a show of strength by the Indian army, navy and air force, and the presence of various VIP guests. But in 1950, this ceremony was held at Irwin Stadium, now called National Stadium. Then it went to Kingsway, the Red Fort and Delhi’s Ramleela Maidan. In 1955, it came back to Kingsway. Thereafter, this grand road became the fixed spot, and it’s what we call Rajpath today. Dr. Sukarno, President of Indonesia was the first Chief Guest in 1950. For the 1955 session, Malik Gulam Mohammed, the first Governor-General of Pakistan, was the Chief Guest.
7 Canons made in 1941 are still fired on our Republic Day
The parade on 26th January begins with the arrival of the President, a salute to the National Flag by the Presidential Guards, and then the National Anthem played to 21 gun salutes. 21 canons are not lined up to fire. 7 heavy duty canons fire 3 rounds each instead. These canons were made in 1941 and have been used in all formal programmes of the army. They are called the 25 Ponders. Interestingly, the time taken for the 21 shells to be fired is 52 seconds, the exact time taken to sing our National Anthem. So the first firing happens with the beginning of the song, and the last with the ending of the song.