As we all know Republic Day occurs every January 26th, to celebrate the signing of India’s Constitution in 1950 and this is going to be the 71st Republic Day.
So we’ve decided to take a look at the ways you can celebrate this occasion.
Republic Day Parade
Since 1955 every year there is a large parade held in New Delhi, it starts at Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and proceeds along the Rajpath, past India Gate and onto the Red Fort. After the President hoists the Indian flag (to the sounds of the National Anthem) at 9am, this vibrant parade begins its procession and continues for approximately three hours.
During the parade you can expect to see giant, decorative and elaborate floats, representing each one of the Indian states, gliding down the procession path. You’ll also witness the Indian armed forces demonstrating their determination and strength by marching the whole length of the parade path. Three divisions lead the march: Army, Navy and Air Force, and there is an exciting air show to accompany the parade.
Each year there is a Chief Guest but this year it is not just one. A host of ASEAN leaders will be the Chief Guests.
This event is ticketed and you will need one to be able to access the area and watch the parade, but if you can’t make it, do not worry, you can most certainly watch it on TV (although nothing beats actually being there).
So while you enjoy the colourful parade on Rajpath or choose to sleep till noon, do take some time out later today, tomorrow or at some point, to give back to your nation or know more about our glorious history.
Learn a bit by visiting museums
We are more amused by malls, high-rises, skyscrapers and swanky shopping centres. These have kind of replaced the whole idea of visiting museums or places which commanded some fascination until the late 1990s.
On a day when patriotism runs high, we can look back at the various chapters in history and its culture closely by visiting museums. It generally is a holiday in almost all the professions so time should not be an area of concern. If you’re a Delhiite, do visit the National Museum near India Gate and the Air Force Museum – a lesser known one but one of its kind, preserving the glorious history of the Indian Air Force.
Sharing is caring
How often do we feel fortunate to have a roof over our head and proper clothing to protect us from the biting cold? Well, sometimes we do and sometimes don’t. The same goes for every morsel of food we eat. There are a number of NGOs and other organisations which donate warm clothes to people who might not be as fortunate as us. So do some Google search and get in touch with such organisations and try to help at least one person if you can. It not only brings positivity to you but also comfort to that person.
If you can afford a Starbucks coffee or a meal at KFC, you can surely share one meal with someone who might be in need of it. And mind you, there’s no dignity in sharing left-overs. Imagine if you were given left-overs just because someone had excess food which was almost on the verge of rotting. So give/share/donate what you would be comfortable in accepting had you been in that needy person’s shoes. Remember! The days may be cold but keep your hearts warm.
Clean it Up!
There are a number of people criticising the Clean India/Swachch Bharat campaign. Of course, everyone has a right to criticise in a democratic republic, but then shouldn’t you be the change you wish to see? Start off with your own surrounding. Pick up that chocolate wrapper left by your neighbours’ kid or clean a public place. Picking unnecessary stuff and dropping it into the dustbin – of course we need more dustbins on the pavements. Imagine if we all do our bit to ensure our surroundings are spick and span, it’d surely ensure success of the various cleanliness drive(s). It has nothing to do with any affiliation with a political party or organisation, do it for yourself, for your country.
Let us take few steps that we can be proud of rather than spending our time in quilt by giving the excuse of cold. Just using the national flag as our ‘DP’ on social media won’t do our part in the celebration.
Above all, don’t forget to enjoy each and every moment of the day. It is also a national holiday.