After India got its independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the Government of India Act 1935 was used as the governing document of India. The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act 1935 thus making India a Republic State.

The 26th of January is one of the national holiday in India and it marks the memory of the declaration of Independence on 26th January 1930 called Purna Swaraj (Complete Self-Rule) from the British rule.

Each year, the morning of 26th marks the Republic Day Parade that takes place from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate in the national capital New Delhi where the President views the parade, the state capitals in India also have their state celebrations.

But before the commencement of  the Republic Day Parade, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate.  Thereafter he reaches the main platform at Rajpath to join other dignitaries. The President also join the the Prime Minister and other dignitaries along with the Chief Guest of the Occasion, usually the head of a foreign state. This year’s Chief Guest was the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The National anthem is played as the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. The National Anthem is  followed by a 21-gun round salute. The President awards military & civil national awards for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiNit_lXgjY

Part of Republic Day Parade on Indian Channel

The end of award ceremony begins the march past from the armed forces. The military march past is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. Each year, the new display from different states make this parade more interesting as the people are curious to know the different culture of diverse multi-cultured Nation. Many people who cannot watch this fabulous parade live usually watch it on their Television sets.

The whole event brings such a diverse Nation together in its patriotic colors. People realize that how big and diverse the Nation might be, it is a united Republic of India, to which they belong.