Republic Day is one of the most celebrated national festivals of India. The whole nation comes together every year on January 26 to salute the sacrifices and struggles of freedom activists and those who participated in building India's constitution. Republic Day celebrates the Complete Freedom or Purn Swaraj of India from the British Empire as it was the day when the Constitution of India came into force. India became sovereign, secular and democratic nation on January 26, 1950 and since then this auspicious day is celebrated every year as republic day. This auspicious day reminds us of the moment when the Constituent Assembly of independent India adopted its own constitution and became the largest democracy of the world.
The constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen and gives them power to choose their own government by electing representative through general election. Republic Day represents the true spirit of independent India. Flag hoisting ceremony, Military Parades, display of military equipments are the moments that the people of India cherish on every Republic Day. Tricolor flag or Tiranga of India symbolizes the sovereignty and spirit of a democratic nation. Saffron (Kesaria) color of the flag denotes renunciation or disinterestedness, white color in the centre represents the path of truth to guide nation's conduct and the green color shows the relation of India with soil, on which all other life depends. Also, the Ashok Chakra in the centre of white is the wheel of the law of Dharma, Truth or Stya.
On Republic Day, the spirit of democratic India can be seen at Raj Path where a large crowd gathers to celebrate the sovereignty of India. President of India along with Defence services and other police divisions lays the wreath of honor in memory of the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti and thereafter the flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort is celebrated. Cultural programmes showing India's unity in diversity and sovereignty is presented by school children from across the nation. On this auspicious occasion, the President of India presents National bravery and chivalry awards to the Jawans who fought for the nation at the war front. Also, highest forms of civilian awards, such as Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award etc are presented to the deserving personalities. Excellent Aero shows by the aircraft of army and air force division of Indian Army is presented on Republic Day. The bikes performing pyramids displaying the patience, will, speed and consistency of Indian Army, boosts up the spirit of this auspicious occasion.
Besides all formal events, Republic Day makes every individual feel proud for Indian culture, languages, social norms, traditions, customs, religions and distinctiveness. School, colleges, government organizations zestfully organize colorful programmes to commemorate the sovereignty and integrity of the great Republic of India. Moreover, media and entertainment industry also participates in the celebration of Republic Day by telecasting patriotic programmes and movies. Popular patriotic songs are played by Radio channels through out the day. In other word, the whole nation stands together and remembers the day of national pride with great zeal. Certainly, the essence and spirit behind the celebration of Republic Day makes it different from other ceremonial occasion that the people of India celebrate.