India First Republic Day: The country tasted independence on 15 August 1947 but the dream of becoming an independent and sovereign India First Republic Day was fulfilled on 26 January 1950. This was the day when the Constitution of India came into force and the country celebrated its first Republic Day. This historic moment was full of pride and enthusiasm for every Indian. Let us know how the first Republic Day was celebrated and what special things happened at that time. We will also know how and where the parade took place.
India First Republic Day Celebrations
The country’s first Governor General Chakravarti Rajagopalachari declared India a sovereign republic at 10:18 am on 26 January 1950. Just six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India. The oath was administered in the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan. After this, the President was given a gun salute, which is still an integral part of the Republic Day celebrations.
First Republic Day Parade organized
The first Republic Day parade held in Delhi was held at Irwin Stadium, today’s National Stadium. At that time there was no boundary wall around the stadium, due to which the view of the old fort was clearly visible. This parade started at 2:30 pm instead of the morning. President Dr. Rajendra Prasad reached Irwin Stadium at 3:45 pm via Connaught Place in a specially decorated carriage.
Main highlights of the first parade
All three forces of the Indian Army, Army, Air Force and Navy took part in the first Republic Day parade. 3,000 soldiers and 100 aircrafts took part in this parade. Aircrafts like Dakota and Spitfire did a flypast. General Field Marshal Cariappa while addressing the soldiers said that today we are free, you are free and our dog is also free. His words were enough to fill enthusiasm in the heart of every Indian.
Foreign guests and the beginning of traditions
The chief guest of the first Republic Day was Indonesia’s President Dr. Sukarno. On this day, the tradition of inviting the chief guest to the Republic Day celebrations began. On this occasion, the President hoisted the tricolor at the Irwin Stadium and took the salute of the parade.
The magic of 31 gun salute and flypast
For the first time, a 31-gun salute was given on Republic Day, which made Delhi resound. Later this number was reduced to 21. The flypast made this event more grand. In the celebration of Republic Day, Ghantevala confectionery of Chandni Chowk, Delhi distributed sweets in the entire area. From Lal Mandir to Fatehpuri Masjid, the entire area was decorated with tricolor and flowers. Langar was organized in Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara and Bangla Sahib. On this day, the whole city was filled with enthusiasm and pride.
Special memories of first republic day
The 1950 parade may not have been as grand as today’s parade, but it was a symbol of pride and new beginnings for Indians. There were no tableaux, but army troops displayed the might of that time. In the years that followed, the parade grew in grandeur, and tableaux, folk dances and fireworks also became part of the celebrations. The first Republic Day was not just an event, it was a celebration of India becoming a republic. Even today, the memories of that historic day fill every Indian with pride.
(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general information. Before adopting it, definitely take medical advice. THE MONK does not confirm this.)
