India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024. This day is a national holiday celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp to mark the day when the Indian constitution came into effect, affirming India’s existence as an independent republic. The debate about whether it is the 75th or 76th Republic Day arises from the fact that India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, but the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. Some argue that this makes 2024 the 76th Republic Day, considering the years since independence, while others argue that it is the 75th Republic Day, considering the years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution. However, the significant occasion is the adoption of the Indian Constitution, making 2024 the 75th anniversary.
The 75th Republic Day will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism, featuring a grand parade in Delhi. This year, there will be a women-centric parade with the themes ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka.’ French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade. The parade will also showcase 25 tableaux representing different states, union territories, and ministries/departments, along with other highlights such as the ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’ showcasing nearly 1,900 sarees & drapes from every corner of the country.
The celebrations will also include the annual parade at Rajpath, now called Kartavya Path, in New Delhi, featuring march-pasts by personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and vibrant tableaux showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the country. The Republic Day parade will commence at 10 am on 26 January 2024, and the seating capacity at Kartavya Path is 77,000, of which 42,000 is reserved for the general public.
