Republic Day 2020

26 January anniversary of the Constitution coming into force in 1950.

Republic Day marks the coming into force of India's Constitution on 26 January 1950. Independence on 15 August 1947 ended British colonial rule, but creating a constitutional framework for the new country required extensive debate and drafting. The Constituent Assembly held its first meeting in December 1946 and adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. Its Drafting Committee was chaired by Dr B. R. Ambedkar, whose leadership was central, although the document was the collective work of the Assembly. Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President as India became a republic.

The choice of 26 January recalled the independence movement's Purna Swaraj declaration and the observance of Independence Day on 26 January 1930. In this way the date connected the aspiration for freedom to the practical institutions of self-government. The Constitution established the framework for parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights, a judiciary and the relationship between the Union and the states. It also expressed commitments to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity; their realization remains an ongoing civic responsibility.

Each year the national celebrations in New Delhi include a ceremonial parade, while schools, local institutions and communities mark the day with the national flag, anthem, educational programmes and public events. Republic Day is not the date India first became independent: it commemorates the beginning of the constitutional republic. Remembering it means understanding both the country's achievements and the continuing work of making constitutional values meaningful in daily life.

Republic Day celebrates India's constitutional republic, democratic institutions, civic equality and shared constitutional responsibilities.

Flag ceremonies, the national anthem, public programmes and educational events recall the Constitution and democratic citizenship.

Republic Day is observed nationwide on 26 January. The central ceremonial parade takes place in New Delhi, while states, schools and local communities arrange their own flag ceremonies, cultural programmes and constitutional education.