For every Indian, 26 January counts as one of the favourite days of the year for being a mid-week holiday or long-weekend! But there are several things you may not know about the national holiday, like why 26 January was the chosen date or exactly how long is our Constitution?
If you want to know some of these interesting facts, we’ve put together a short list for you.
1. Why 26 January?
No, 26 January was not randomly chosen to be India’s Republic Day. It was on 26 January 1930 that the Indian National Congress declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence from the British regime.
In the INC’s annual December 1929 session, they decided that the last Sunday of January would be celebrated as Independence Day, which happened to be 26 January.
2. How Long Is The Constitution?
The Indian Constitution is the longest in the world. It took the Constituent Assembly two years and 11 months to draft it.
When it came into force, it had 395 Articles, and eight Schedules enshrined in it. It has now grown to 448 Articles, 12 Schedules and has been amended 123 times.
3. Rain, a Good Omen for Constitution
The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and the 284 Constituent Assembly members put their signatures on the final document on 24 January 1950.
On the day the Constitution was being signed, it was drizzling outside and it was interpreted as a sign of a good omen.
4. Two Copies of Constitution
There are two hand-written copies of the Constitution — in Hindi and in English. The copies are kept in helium-filled cases in the Parliament’s library.
5. President Takes Oath
The first Republic Day was also the day that the baton was passed on from the last Governor General C Rajgopalachari to the first President Dr Rajendra Prasad.
India was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic at 10.18 am on 26 January and six-minutes later at 10.24 am, Dr Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President in the Durbar Hall of the Government House.
He delivered his first speech in Hindi and then in English.
6. A Song You May Not Have Noticed
Apart from the national song and national anthem, a Christian hymn called ‘Abide with Me’ is played at the Republic Day functions and it is said to be Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite.
7. Parades at Five Different Venues
Rajpath was chosen as the venue for the Republic Day on in 1955 and the parade has been held there since. But from 1950 to 1954, the parade was held at Red Fort, National Stadium, Kingsway Camp and the Ramlila ground.
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