India Commemorates 77th Republic Day with Grand Ceremonies
On January 26, 1950, India transformed into a sovereign democratic republic as its Constitution came into effect. This monumental document, crafted over three years following Jawaharlal Nehru's 1946 vision, stands as one of the world's most comprehensive constitutions, meticulously outlining India's political, legal, and social frameworks.
77th Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi
This year, President Droupadi Murmu officially inaugurated the 77th Republic Day festivities by unfurling the national flag at Kartavya Path. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi, honored the nation's martyrs with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial near India Gate.
The celebrations were graced by distinguished international guests, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Luís Santos da Costa, President of the European Council, who served as chief guests for this year's event.
A highlight of the parade was the display of 30 tableaux, featuring 17 from various States and Union Territories alongside nine from different Ministries, Departments, and Services. These presentations beautifully encapsulated the themes 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat', symbolizing the spirit of independence and self-reliance.
Five Other Nations That Celebrate Republic Day
While India's Republic Day is widely recognized, several other countries around the world observe similar occasions to commemorate their transition to republican governance. Here is a closer look at five such nations:
Turkey: October 29
Turkey celebrates Cumhuriyet Bayramı, or Republic Day, on October 29th each year. This date marks the historic establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The visionary leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spearheaded this transformation, founding a modern, secular state. The day is observed as an official holiday with state ceremonies, military parades, vibrant flag displays, and numerous cultural events across the country.
Italy: June 2
Italy's Festa della Repubblica is celebrated on June 2nd, commemorating the 1946 referendum in which Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic after World War II. This decision ended nearly a century of monarchical rule. The national celebrations center around a grand military parade in Rome, accompanied by official wreath-laying ceremonies and public festivities that honor Italy's democratic resurgence in the postwar era.
Serbia: February 15
Serbia observes Republic Day on February 15th, a date of dual significance. It marks both the commencement of the First Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule and the adoption of Serbia's first constitution. This early milestone in Serbia's quest for independence and constitutional governance is commemorated through official receptions and various cultural events that reflect national pride and historical remembrance.
Azerbaijan: May 28
Azerbaijan celebrates Republic Day on May 28th, honoring the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918. This establishment was particularly notable as it created the first democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. Although the holiday was suppressed during Soviet rule, it regained prominence after Azerbaijan regained independence in 1991. Today, it is marked with state ceremonies, public gatherings, and cultural performances that celebrate the nation's democratic heritage.
Nepal: May 28
Nepal's Republic Day is also observed on May 28th, commemorating the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic in 2008. This historic transition followed a decade-long civil war and extensive political protests that reshaped the country's governance structure. The day is celebrated with official ceremonies and public functions, marking Nepal's evolution from a secular state to a republic.
These diverse celebrations across the globe highlight the universal significance of republicanism and constitutional governance, each nation honoring its unique journey toward democratic sovereignty.
