India became a republic on 26th January, 1950. It was on this day that the Constitution of India came into force. Since then the day is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country. The main celebrations are held in Delhi. The place which is the centre of attraction is the lawns from Vijaya Chowk to India Gate.
Thousands of People from the capital and other cities and tourists from all over the world gather there to witness the procession. Those who can’t come watch it over the TV. There is almost always one or the other foreign dignitary every year who is invited to attend the function. The President comes in a bullet-proof car from the Rashtrapati Bhawan and is received by the Prime Minister. He hoists the flag and the National Anthem is sung by the school students.
The procession marks the endless variety of Indian culture and is symbolic of the progress made by India in various fields. Thus the military might of India is displayed not just by the military parade in which the three wings of the Indian forces participate but also by a display of various missiles, tanks and other weaponry possessed by the country. Contingents of NCC from schools and colleges drawn from all over the country follow the army personnel.
Image Source : defenceforumindia.com
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The main attraction to the spectators is the cultural pageants of different States and folk dances of the tribal. The school children also march and dance for a short distance. The jets and helicopters blaze the sky and throw rose petals on the spectators and the processionists. Finally, gas balloons presenting the colors of the tricolor are released in the sky.
Some of the important buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Central Secretariat and the India Gate are tastefully illuminated at night. There is the beat of the retreat on 27th January when the tribal and others return to their home states.