Republic Day 2025: A special parade is organized on 26 January i.e. Republic Day. It is also called Republic Day Parade. During this time, a 21-gun salute is also given, but do you know what is the story behind the parade and 21-gun salute on 26th January and when did it start?
The country got independence on 15 August 1947, but two years later, India became a republic on 26 January 1950. That was because for these two years there was British rule in India because the country was governed by the Government of India Act 1935 of the British era and owed allegiance to the Crown, but in 1950 the new Constitution of India came into force, which replaced the 1935 Act. Took. After this, Dr. Rajendra Prasad started his first term as President of India.
Marching contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force participate in the parade.
Talking about the parade to be held on 26th January, it has been happening not only in 1950 but much before that. During the British Raj, royal parades were very common. After independence, the Government of India had decided to continue it and since 1950, the Republic Day celebrations have been organizing a military parade in New Delhi, which has been displayed in a more spectacular manner in the last few years. Marching contingents of Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police participate in the parade.
What is the story behind the 21 gun salute?
According to Ramachandra Guha’s book ‘India After Gandhi’, on 26 January 1950, the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad inspected the parade. After this, the artillery deployed behind the East Stand fired three rounds. The 21-gun salute is completed in 52 seconds and these three rounds are fired every 2.25 seconds. This fire is done to celebrate the independence of the country. The time taken for firing is 52 seconds because it also takes 52 seconds to complete the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The 21 gun salute is considered the highest honor.
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