Republic Day 2017: 11 quick and interesting facts you shouldn’t miss

Did you know that January 26 was celebrated as India’s Independence Day as it was the day India decided to fight for freedom from the British clutches? Or that it was this same day that the Indian Air Force came into existence?

Written by: Chanchal Chauhan

Updated: January 26, 2017, 10:38 AM IST

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Republic Day 2017

New Delhi, Jan 26: A very happy Republic Day to you all. What does come to your mind when you hear the Republic Day? Early morning parade at the Rajpath and the tableaus showcasing the armed forces strength and the enriching diversity of India which is followed by an air show. Did you know that January 26 was celebrated as India’s Independence Day as it was the day India decided to fight for freedom from the British clutches? Or that it was this same day that the Indian Air Force came into existence?

#ThisDayThatYear: the state drive of the 1st President of India

Proud Indians welcomed him all along by shouts of “Jai”#HappyRepublicDay pic.twitter.com/yLbfavzDoG

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2017

It was first celebrated in the year 1950, three years after India became an independent country. We’ll be celebrating our 68^th Republic Day today, and on this day, we bring to you some interesting facts on this day. Check them out!

Republic Day 2017 LIVE updates: Catch the India Republic Day 2017 Parade Live updates here

11 interesting facts on our Republic Day:

1. India became a Republic at 10:18 AM on January 26 in the year 1950.
2. Around six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as President of India.
3. Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, coming into effect in 1950 completing India’s evolution towards becoming a sovereign republic.
4. Its adoption replaced the Government of India Act, 1935 as India’s primary governing document.
5. The first document of the Constitution was hand written.
6. Bhim Rao Ambedkar took approximately two years and 11 months to make the draft of the Constitution.
7. From 1950 and 1954, the venues of the Republic Day parade were Red Fort, National Stadium, Kinsway and Ramlila grounds. It was only in 1955 that Rajpath was chosen as the venue.
8. The first Republic Day parade was held in the year 1955 at Rajpath, five years after India became a Republic.
9. Republic Day is celebrated for three continuous days. It ends on January 29 with the ‘Beating Retreat ceremony’ denoting the end of Republic Day celebration.
10. On January 26, in the year 2016, the Protocol Department of the Government of Maharashtra held its first parade along the entire stretch of Marine Drive in Mumbai.
11. Military Bands, Pipe and Drum Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from Indian army, Navy and Air Force take part in the parade and play tunes like Abide With Me, which is known as Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn.