Republic Day 2025: Theme, history, chief guest; how is it being celebrated?

NEW DELHI: Republic Day is celebrated annually on January 26 to mark the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. The Republic Day event marks establishing India as a sovereign, democratic republic. The January 26 date for republic day celebration was chosen as it also marked the anniversary of the of Purna Swaraj in 1930.

President Droupadi Murmu will preside over India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, with the theme of 'Jan Bhagidari'. Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest.

3 govt school bands to perform in Republic Day parade

This year, three government school bands from Jharkhand, Sikkim and Karnataka, will perform in the Republic Day 2025 parade . The school bands, including 16 teams, are also competing in the grand finale of the National School Band Competition 6.0 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

Approximately 10,000 guests from diverse backgrounds will attend the Republic Day 2025 event. The celebrations will begin with prime minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial, followed by the President’s Bodyguard escorting leaders to the saluting dais. A 21-gun salute and performances by 300 cultural artists will also take place today.

Republic Day 2025: History

India got independence on August 15, 1947, but it adopted its own Constitution on January 26, 1950. Drafted by a constituent assembly under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, the Indian Constitution replaced the Government of India Act. The final draft was presented to the assembly on November 4, 1948.

On January 26, 1950, India marked its transition to a republic with a 21-gun salute and the unfurling of the national flag by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the nation’s first President (1950 to 1962). Since then, January 26 has been celebrated as Republic Day.

The significance of January 26 as Republic Day ties back to a historic moment in India’s freedom struggle. On this day in 1930, the Indian National Congress adopted the Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) resolution, declaring the India's intent to achieve full independence from British rule.

Republic Day 2025 celebration in schools and educational institutions

Here’s how Republic Day is celebrated in schools and educational institutions across India.

• Republic Day Quiz and Competitions: Essay writing, painting, quiz competitions, and debates are organised by school and college authorities.
• Flag Hoisting: The day begins with the national flag hoisting ceremony, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, fostering a sense of pride and unity.
• Cultural Programmes: Schools organisee cultural events, including patriotic songs, dances, skits, and speeches on themes like patriotism, national unity, Indian constitution.
• Parades and March-Past: Students participate in parades or march-pasts
• Inspirational Speeches: Teachers, principals, and chief guests deliver motivational speeches around the history and importance of Republic Day.
• Special Assemblies: Schools host special assemblies with prayers, patriotic poems, and speeches delivered by students.
• Distribution of Sweets: Schools and colleges often distribute sweets and other meals to students.