India was declared a sovereign republic by the country’s first Governor-General, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari on January 26, 1950, at 10:18 AM.
New Delhi: India gained freedom from British rule in 1947, but the dream of becoming an independent and sovereign republic was realized on January 26, 1950. On this day, the Indian Constitution came into effect, and the nation celebrated its first Republic Day. In this article, we will understand how the first Republic Day was celebrated and what special events took place at that time.
India was declared a sovereign republic by the country’s first Governor-General, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari on January 26, 1950, at 10:18 AM. Just six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the oath as India’s first president. The oath was administered in the Durbar Hall of the President’s House. Following this, the President was given a gun salute, a tradition that remains an integral part of the Republic Day celebrations to this day.
First Republic Day in India: Interesting Facts
- The first Republic Day parade took place at Irwin Stadium in New Delhi, now known as the National Stadium.
- At that time, there was no fence around the stadium, allowing a clear view of the old fort.
- The parade started at 2:30 pm, instead of the morning.
- President Dr. Rajendra Prasad arrived at Irwin Stadium at 3:45 pm, riding in a specially decorated carriage, passing through Connaught Place.
- In the first Republic Day parade, all three branches of the Indian Army—Army, Air Force, and Navy—participated.
- The parade featured 3,000 soldiers and 100 aircraft.
- Aircraft such as the Dakota and Spitfire performed a flypast.
- General Field Marshal Cariappa addressed the soldiers, saying, “Today, we are free, you are free, and even our dog is free.” His words were enough to ignite a sense of enthusiasm in every Indian’s heart.
Dr. Sukarno, the President of Indonesia, was the chief guest on the first Republic Day. On this day, the President hoisted the tricolor at Irwin Stadium and took the salute of the parade.
On the first Republic Day parade, a 31-gun salute was offered. The number was later reduced to 21. The flypast further enhanced the grandeur of the event. During the Republic Day celebrations, the sweet shop owner from Chandni Chowk, Ghantewala Halwai, distributed sweets throughout the area. The entire region, from Lal Mandir to Fatehpuri Masjid, was decorated with tricolors and flowers. Langar was organized at Sis Ganj Gurudwara and Bangla Sahib.
