India is the land of festivals. Many kinds of festivals are celebrated here. They are Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Republic day, etc. January 26th is celebrated by Indians as Republic Day. We celebrate it every year. It was on this day in 1950 that India became a sovereign democratic republic and gave to itself a constitution of its own.
The Republic Day is celebrated not only in the country but all over the world by Indians with great pomp and show. In Delhi it is celebrated amidst great enthusiasm and joy. A special and impressive parade is held. Early in the morning people start assembling at Rajpath and other places to see the parade. The President of India takes the salute.
A procession starts from Vijay Chowk. All the three wings of the armed forces take part in the parade. There is display of tanks, big guns and other weapons used in battle. In fact the armed forces show their might in the parade by displaying their latest weapons. Every unit marches down the Rajpath accompanied by its band. N.C.C. cadets and the police also participate in the parade.
They are followed by tableaux from the different states. They depict the life and customs of the people of their respective states and the progress they have made after independence. Unity in diversity is amply displayed.
Folk dancers assemble in the Capital from states and stage shows. Boys and girls of local colleges and schools also march in procession and sing national song.
There is a colourful fly-past by different types of aeroplanes at the end. They fly at high speed leaving a trail of saffron, white and green colours of our national flag.
At night all the government buildings are illuminated and a huge crowd comes out to watch them.