Here are 5 facts about Republic Day we bet you probably didn't know!
| Jan 26, 2018, 08:00 IST
Republic Day isn't your usual day off from work. It holds significance and is arguably one of India's most patriotic holidays. Celebrated every year on the 26th of January, it is a token of the establishment of the Indian Constitution as also as much of a tribute to all the brave freedom fighters that fought for our nation's independence. But this, you already knew, right? Well, today we've got you'll 5 lesser-known facts about the holiday. Read on to find out...
Firstly, France has been the most special Republic Day guest in India. Last year, visiting President Francois Hollande was the fifth French leader to join Republic Day celebrations as our chief guest. Talking about chief guests, the Indonesian President Sukarno was the first Guest of Honour in India for the Republic Day's celebration in 1950. Thirdly, 21 gun salutes are given every year when the President of India hoists the Indian National Flag on Republic Day. The next fact we'd like you to know is that Republic Day celebrations last for three days and not just one, ending with ‘Beating the Retreat’, a military ceremony held on January 29th of every year. It was first started in the 1950s by Major Roberts of the Indian Army. The evening ends with the hymn 'Abide with Me', which was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite. Lastly, did you'll know that two copies of the Indian Constitution were handwritten, one in English and one in Hindi and the original handwritten copies of the Constitution are kept in helium-filled cases in the Library of Parliament House?
Got any interesting facts about the day that you would like to share with us?
Firstly, France has been the most special Republic Day guest in India. Last year, visiting President Francois Hollande was the fifth French leader to join Republic Day celebrations as our chief guest. Talking about chief guests, the Indonesian President Sukarno was the first Guest of Honour in India for the Republic Day's celebration in 1950. Thirdly, 21 gun salutes are given every year when the President of India hoists the Indian National Flag on Republic Day. The next fact we'd like you to know is that Republic Day celebrations last for three days and not just one, ending with ‘Beating the Retreat’, a military ceremony held on January 29th of every year. It was first started in the 1950s by Major Roberts of the Indian Army. The evening ends with the hymn 'Abide with Me', which was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite. Lastly, did you'll know that two copies of the Indian Constitution were handwritten, one in English and one in Hindi and the original handwritten copies of the Constitution are kept in helium-filled cases in the Library of Parliament House?
Got any interesting facts about the day that you would like to share with us?