The annual Republic Day Parade is one of the most awaited events in the country. The parade displays India’s rich cultural heritage & its military prowess. But what exactly happens at the Republic Day parade? Here is a detailed explainer. 26 January is celebrated with great patriotic fervour across the country with flag hoisting ceremonies, parades by armed forces, and children. The celebrations are the most magnificent in Rajpath in the national capital, Delhi. India’s rich cultural diversity and military prowess are displayed with grandeur on this day. As India gears up to celebrate the 72 Republic Day, we take a look at the history and significance of the day & also understand how this is traditionally celebrated in the national capital. India became an independent nation on 15 August 1947. Two weeks later, the Constituent Assembly set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B R Ambedkar for drafting a permanent Constitution for Independent India. Finally, after almost three years, the Constituent Assembly completed drafting the Constitution. Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950 with Dr. Rajendra Prasad unfurling the National Flag after a salute of 21 guns declaring India a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state. It was on the same day, 26 January, in 1930 that the Indian Tricolour Flag was first unfurled in Lahore by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, and the declaration of an independent (Purna Swaraj) Indian National Congress was made. Hindi was declared an official language of the Union Government on 26 January 1965. 21 gun salute is presented, and the President of India unfurls the National Flag To commemorate this day, on 26 January every year, a series of events are conducted in the national capital, New Delhi. First, the Prime Minister of India lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyothi at the India Gate to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. Following this, the dignitaries arrive at the venue in Rajpath. The event begins with a 21 gun salute and the President of India unfurls the National Flag, and the National Anthem is played by. For Independence Day, it is the Prime Minister who unfurls the National Flag at Red Fort. Awards are presented for bravery The President then distributes the Ashok Chakra series of awards. The Ashok Chakra is India’s highest peacetime military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. The awardees are decided by a committee under the Ministry of Defence based on the recommendations received from State Governments/Union territory. Administrations and Ministries/Departments of the Central Government. Civilian awards such as Bharat Ratna & Padma Awards and gallantry awards such as Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medals are announced on 25 January, on the eve of Republic Day. Parade begins with helicopters showering rose petals on audience After the awards distribution, helicopters from the armed forces fly past the parade area showering rose petals on the audience marking the start of the parade presided over by the President. It is held from Raisina Hill (near the President’s residence- Rashtrapati Bhavan), along Rajpath, past India Gate, and on the Red Fort. It begins with gallantry award winners passing the President of India who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The winners in open military jeeps salute the President. Then, the Indian Military displays its latest acquisitions & prowess such as missiles, tanks, etc. Cultural parade follows the military parade The military parade is followed by a cultural parade which involves tableaus and cultural performances from various states. These tableaus can depict state festivals, art, historical locations, flora and fauna, development works, personalities, culture, and more. States/UTs and departments send in tableau proposals which are evaluated by an expert committee constituting eminent persons constituted by the Defence Ministry. The committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design, and visual impact and makes recommendations. Government departments and ministries also send in tableau proposals demonstrating their contribution towards the nation’s development. For instance, this year’s tableau of Ministry of Labour and Employment will be depicting the labour reforms brought in by the government in the recent past. Children who are recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar award ride past the dais in decorated elephants.