Every year on 26 January, India celebrates its Republic Day to commemorate 26th January 1950 when India’s constitutions came into force thus making India, a Republic State. It is a national holiday and passionately celebrated by people of India. The government organize a republic day parade every year to display nation’s achievements of the last year, award the highest military and civilian award to respect the nation’s brave and talented persons, and showcase nation’s vivid cultural heritage.

Republic Day Parade is held on the morning of 26th January from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) along the Rajpath, past India Gate in the national capital New Delhi and are joined by hundred of thousands of people who come to see the republic day parade across the country. To commence the Republic Day Parade, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers of 1971 war against Pakistan 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, around 150,000 people have joined to see the parade. People along with the President, Prime Minister, other government ministers, official and the Chief Guest stands for the National anthem as the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. As the national anthem is played, a 21-gun round salute is given. This year’s Chief Guest was the President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama.  Thereafter, the President awards military and civil national awards for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice. The military march past follows, which is followed by a pageant of spectacular tableau from the different states of the country. Each year, the new tableau from different states make this parade more interesting as it gives the people a glimpse of different culture of nation’s cultural diversity. Many people who cannot watch this fabulous parade in person usually watch it live on their television sets. As this day is national holiday, people organize various cultural functions in their locality to mark this day. The event brings such a diverse nation together in its patriotic colors. People realize that how big and diverse our nation might be, it is a united Republic of India, to which they belong.