Celebration of sovereignty is what celebration of Republic Day is all
about. It is India's great national festival. It is celebrated every
year on 26th January, in New Delhi with great pomp and pageant and in
capitals of the States, as well as at other headquarters and important
places with patriotic fervor. It celebrates India's freedom and
democracy. Officially, Republic Day is celebrated all over the country
as a national holiday. The festivities for Republic Day are a lot more
extensive than for Independence Day. The parade in New Delhi is a grand
affair. The various branches of the armed forces, the police, National
Cadet Corps, and students from various schools and institution take part
in it. Tableaux are put up by the various states, show casing the
cultural heritage of the states and there are also the display of the
latest armaments that the country has acquired. The parade starts from
India Gate and proceeds through Rajpath. In addition to march-pasts and
tableaux, there are cultural programmes performed by children from
various schools. Republic Day is also the time when exemplary
achievements are recognized and rewarded throughout the country.
Selected children are awarded the Children's Bravery Awards on this day.
Soldiers who have performed exceptionally are awarded the bravery
medals, Param Veer Chakra, Veer Chakra and Maha Veer Chakra.
The essence behind the celebration of Republic day is not only to
celebrate India's secularism and democracy but its also makes us feel
proud of our culture, languages, social norms, traditions, customs,
religions, communitarian and the individual distinctiveness that makes
up India a wonderful multi-cultural country. It is this spirit, which
makes us feel proud of our country's achievements that make the
celebration all the more interesting. This is the day when we come
together and proudly identify ourselves as true Indians, and not with
some particular religion or caste. This feeling for the country is what
makes this day a special one from the rest of the day. It is the day,
which guarantees the Fundamental rights to the citizens, equality of
religion and so on. The rich cultural heritage and tradition of India is
reflected on this day.
