Two events are associated with India's freedom from colonial rule. One is Independence Day (August 15) and the other, the Republic Day (January26).
The former is a historical event when India gained independence in 1947 and freed herself from the British rule, whereas the latter is the day when India became a sovereign democratic republic with a Constitution to guide her destiny. On January 26, 1950 the Indian constitution was adopted.
Celebration of Indian democracy is what Republic Day is all about. It is India's great national festival and is celebrated every year on January 26 with great pomp and patriotic fervour.
Officially, Republic Day is celebrated all over the country as a national holiday and the parade in New Delhi
on the occasion is a grand affair.
Various states of the country come together on the day, showcasing their cultural heritage. There are also the display of the latest armaments that the country has acquired.
Republic Day is a time when exemplary achievements are recognised and rewarded throughout the country. Soldiers who have performed exceptionally are awarded the bravery medals like 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.
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