INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY – 26 Jan
Republic Day of India is one of the most important days in the Indian history. Every year, Republic Day is celebrated to honors January 26, 1950, the day when Parliament officially approved the Constitution of India and declared itself as a “Republic”.
On January 26, 1950, India became a truly independent state. Since then, this day is marked as a national holiday and the day is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. On this day, every Indian is filled with immense love for the Motherland and respect for the freedom fighters.
Military parades are organized across the country’s state capitals, while the main parade is held in the national capital, New Delhi. The event starts with paying homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. The Prime Minister of India lays a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India gate, New Delhi. Thereafter, the President of India hoists the Indian flag and along with the Chief Guest of the day, takes salute from the military. On the other hand, Governors take military salutes in their respective state capitals, where similar parades are organized.
The President gives away bravery awards to the people from armed forces for their exceptional courage and also to the civilians for their act of courage in different situations.
After this, a grand parade starts from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath and ends at Red Fort. The different regiments of Army, Navy and Air Force participate in the parade. The horses of cavalry are decorated beautifully to suit the occasion. The children from various schools and N.C.C. cadets from all over the country also participate in the parade.
This is followed by vibrant pageants from different states. Through the state-wise tableau, every part of the country is represented on this occasion which symbolizes unity in diversity. Thereafter the children from different schools give different cultural dance performances. Later, the groups of children with National Bravery Awards ride on different jeeps and wave their hands to the audience.
The Republic Day Parade concludes with a dare devil motor cycle ride and a fly past by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath. These leave trails of tricolor smoke in the sky; spectators look on with their hearts filled with pride and patriotism.
How to celebrate Republic day with your children at your home:
- Explain to your children about the importance of Republic Day.
- Tell your children about the freedom fighters of India who contributed towards gaining the Independence of India.
- Take your children along with you to watch Republic Day parade. If this is not possible, watch it on your television with them and inform them about everything they watch.
- Plan a Flag hoisting event in your colony for your children and sing National Anthem with them.
- Encourage your children to wear the traditional attire representing various states and give dance performances.
- Plan and organize some Republic Day activities for your children. For this, you may ask them to distribute small flags or batches to other children & play word searches related to the theme of Republic Day.
- Arrange a drawing competition for your children and their friends. Choose a patriotic theme for drawings such as the national symbols and give away prize to the best drawing along with consolation prizes for all.
- Arrange a booth along with your children in front of your home to impart information about Republic Day to other children. To attract the children in the neighborhood, arrange some fun games for them in the booth, such as sorting tri-color balloons into different boxes, painting tri- color on faces etc.
- Enjoy some craft work with them by making paper flags, tricolor paper caps etc.
So, enjoy Republic Day with your children as cheerfully as other festivals, so that they give equal importance to this National festival as they give to other festivals.
