Difference Between Independence Day and Republic Day

Difference Between Independence Day and Republic Day

On 15 August 1947, Independence Day is celebrated which marks the nation’s Independence from British rule. 26 January Republic Day is celebrated and marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. The two most significant days for every Indian are Republic Day and Independence Day, which are observed on January 26 and August 15, respectively. India is commemorating its 74th Republic Day this year. Find out what makes Republic Day and Independence Day different here.

This year’s Republic Day festivities will be held under the banner of “Jan-Bhagidaari, participation of the common people.” The front row will only be available to certain invited officials, according to the Indian government. The front row will be occupied by the Shramjeevis and their family, Kartavya Path upkeep staff, and other neighbourhood residents like rickshaw pullers and vegetable merchants.

Key Difference between Independence Day and Republic day

Independence Day

Understanding the significance of Independence Day is not too difficult because we can recognise it by its name: In 1947, 15 August was designated as India’s Independence Day after India gained independence from the 200-year British rule. Every year, the people of India celebrate the freedom and sacrifice made by the many freedom fighters who struggled to free this country from the British Empire, including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Sekhar Azad, and many others.

By passing an Indian independence act in the British parliament and fully handing the legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly, India was quickly hailed as the largest democracy in the world.

Just one night before August 15th, Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed the country’s first prime minister. When the rest of the world is asleep, India will awake to life and independence at the stroke of midnight, according to Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech.”

How do we celebrate this special day?

The prime minister of India attends the celebration programme at Red Fort of India on August 15, which is when this day is observed nationally. After this event, there will be a military parade to demonstrate the power of the Indian army and to highlight the many cultures of the nation’s states and union territories with performances of dance, theatre, and song. The Indian prime minister also raises the Indian flag and plays the national song at the start of the event on Red Fort.

History of Independence Day

After the revolt of 1857, this is regarded as the first fight for Independence, India started its quest for independence. This uprising in Meerut was started by the Sepoy Mutiny, which was led by Mangal Pandey. After the Second World War, this uprising gained strength and later evolved into the nation’s voice for independence. Mahatma Gandhi led the Indian National Congress, which in the 20th century organised a number of insurgent movements against these British government laws across the nation.

When Gandhiji launched the Quit India Movement against the British government in 1942, the Second World War saw the greatest Independence-era fire. However, the British authorities imprisoned and placed under house arrest a large number of leaders and freedom fighters. Under Jawaharlal Nehru’s direction, India was split into two countries just before it gained its independence in 1947; during this time, more than 15 million people perished in riots over religious disagreements.

What is the Symbol of Independence Day?

The image of a kite in the sky is regarded as a representation of independence. People fly kites on this day in a variety of sizes, forms, and colours, most frequently the tricolours of the Indian flag. Red Fort was regarded as a significant location in the history of India’s independence because it was there that the Indian Flag was first unveiled in 1947. The president and the Indian prime minister both participate in the annual flag-raising ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Indian flag, which is horizontal in shape and tricolour with the colours saffron, white, and green that have special symbolism, is regarded as the country’s most important emblem of independence. Ashok Chakra, a navy blue chakra, is also seen in the centre of the flag.

Republic Day

Republic Day, which is observed on January 26th, is another significant milestone in Indian history because it was crucial to the foundation of the country. Like Independence Day, Republic Day is a national holiday marked by military parades, songs and dances, poetry readings, and flag-raising. On this day, the Indian Prime Minister travels to Janpath in New Delhi to take part in a flag-hosting ceremony. The leaders of several nations are also there, since they were invited by the Indian government to take part in this celebration of democracy and unity. The 74th Republic Day of India will be celebrated in 2023.

Significance of Republic Day

A committee of more than 100 members was constituted soon after Dr. BR Ambedkar and his team had led India to three years of independence from the British government; this helped him draught the Indian constitution. It is a compilation of several constitutional texts from democratic nations such the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and many others.

On January 26, 1950, the constitution that this committee created was first put into effect. The Indian National Congress, which announced the concept of Purna Swaraj on the same day, January 26, 1930, was a major factor in the decision to announce India’s constitution on this date.

Celebration of Republic Day

Republic Day is a day of pride as well. Everywhere in the nation celebrates it. In 1950, it was made a federal holiday. The purpose of the celebration is to honour the Indian Constitution. Colleges and schools frequently display the national flag. Additionally, they honour others and stage student-performed cultural performances to mark Republic Day.

Most people like seeing the President of India’s flag-hoisting ceremony at the Indian gate in the morning. Additionally, on this day, a number of patriotic films centred on the constitution and India’s Independence are broadcast on television.

The military leaders who have received the heroism medal take part in these army parades by saluting the President and Flag while standing in their jeeps. Additionally, the Indian Air Force performs a special portion in which they pay tribute using their planes. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence hosts a national parade on Rajpath in New Delhi, which is attended by various national leaders, including the President of the nation.

Additionally, a special ceremony is held at India Gate to honour and pray for the martyrs who gave their lives in defence of the country. The prime minister also offers an Amar Jawan Jyoti wreath to honour the martyrs who gave their life for this nation on behalf of the entire country. This ceremony is followed by a 21-gun salute.

Additionally, awarding heroic soldiers with Paramvir, Ashok, and Vir chakras is regarded as a special occasion. They are joined by a number of other individuals who received awards for indirectly displaying courage and strengthening the nation. Different regions of the country commemorate a day comparable to this one.

Motto of Republic day Celebration

The primary goal of celebrating Republic Day is to highlight the spirit of independent India. It also serves to highlight the military prowess of the Indian army through equipment displays and tactical cooperation.

Basic Difference between Independence Day and Republic Day

Basis of Celebration

The ceremony of raising the flag is performed on both Independence Day and Republic Day, but the significance and guiding principle are different. The raising of the flag on August 15th is done in honour of Independence Day, which represents the freedom that India attained from the British after 200 years of occupation through ongoing resistance that included the sacrifice and struggle of our freedom fighters.

Republic Day, on the other hand, celebrates democracy, which India officially embraced in 1950 following the adoption of the Indian constitution. Compared to Independence Day, the process of creating the constitution was quick, but because of its rigid construction, we are proud of our constitution.

Positioning of Flag

A significant distinction is the location of the flag when hosting. When it comes to Independence Day, everyone is aware that the flag is knotted at the bottom of the pole and is hoisted by the prime minister atop Red Fort India. This makes it simple for us to distinguish between hoisting and unfurling the national flag. The flag is closed and secured at the top of the pole on Republic Day, but the President simply pulls the knot to unfurl the flag.

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