The world’s largest democracy and home to a great diversity of cultures, India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day tomorrow, 26th January.
The theme of this year’s Republic Day is Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India – Heritage and Development), reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing journey of progress.
The day is also celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world by the Indian diaspora. In New Zealand, the Indian flag hoisting ceremony will be held at the the Wellington office of the Indian High Commission tomorrow (26 January) at 9.15am, followed by patriotic songs and cultural performances.
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, but it didn’t have its own constitution until January 26, 1950.

The commemoration marks 76 years since the “Indian Constitution took effect and the nation completed its transition to an independent republic.” The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and officially implemented on this day in 1950.
The original Constitution of India is not a printed document, but a hand written one. The then Government of India, headed by PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, entrusted Nandalal Bose of Shantiniketan for decorating the pages with artwork depicting ancient Indian culture and texts. The calligraphy was done by Prem Behari Narain Raizada (Saxena) of Delhi.
This decorated hand written text is preserved at the Parliament Library in a helium filled glass case.
The main event will be held in the country’s capital, New Delhi where there will be a spectacular military spectacle and cultural pageantry, showcasing the rich tradition, cultural heritage, and the nation’s progress and achievements.
Celebrations will begin tomorrow in the morning with President Droupadi Murmu unfurling the national flag on the Kartavaya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) in the nation’s capital.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest for Republic Day 2025, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia.
Parade starts from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) go along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate and onto the historic Red Fort. President of India receives the salute from different regiments.
On Republic Day, the National Bravery Awards are announced to honour children who have shown exceptional courage in saving lives or standing up against injustices.
The event also honors the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
Additionally, on that day, the President distributes Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country, and brave soldiers are awarded gallantry medals, viz. Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra.
The first Republic Day celebrations took place at Irwin Stadium (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium) in New Delhi in 1950. The event featured the participation of more than 100 aircraft and 3,000 personnel from the Indian military.