Interesting Republic Day facts

We start this post by wishing you a happy Republic Day...

We are a nation that is known for its diversity and cultural ethnicity across the globe.

1. Republic Day is celebrated for marking the replacement of the Government of India Act of 1935 with the Constitution of India. The reason for selecting January 26th as Republic Day is that on the same day of 1930, the Declaration of Indian Independence, called the Purna Swaraj, was put into motion by the Indian National Congress.

2. There are just two original copies of the Constitution in the country written in Hindi and English. They have been preserved in helium-filled cases in the Parliament of India. This constitution has been calligraphed and not printed. Such photo lithographic copies are in circulation and only 1000 copies have been written till date.

3. It took two years and eleven months for Dr B.R. Ambedkar and his team to draft the Indian Constitution, the world’s longest constitution.

4. A majority of national awards such as Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan and Kirti Chakra are awarded during the Republic Day ceremony.

5. The President unfurls the flag with the 21 gun-salute that involves firing of arms and canons as a naval and military honour. The National Anthem is sung at this time.

6. The Prime Minister honors thousands of Indian Soldiers who died fighting for the Nation. He places a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti on the India Gate as a mark of respect to them.

7. The 'Beating Retreat' held on 29th January, marks the end of all Republic day celebrations in the country. The ceremony is held Vijay Chowk where bands of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy perform.