Republic Day 2025 Celebration: Republic Day stands as one of the most important national events in India, observed annually on January 26. It marks the historic moment when the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950, replacing the colonial-era Government of India Act of 1935. However, every year, a common question arises: Is India celebrating its 76th or 77th Republic Day in 2025? Understanding the correct count requires revisiting historical milestones and clarifying the calculation process.

January 26, 1950, holds immense significance in Indian history as the day when the country officially became a sovereign republic. On this date, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the oath as India’s first President, and the Constitution, drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his committee, was enacted. This day symbolized India’s transition from a dominion under British rule to an independent republic with its own governing framework.

Is it 76th or 77th Independence Day?

The confusion regarding the numbering of Republic Days stems from the way events are counted from their inception. The first Republic Day was celebrated in 1950, marking it as the 1st Republic Day. With each passing year, the count increases by one. To clarify, the calculation follows this pattern:

  • 1950 – 1st Republic Day
  • 1951 – 2nd Republic Day
  • 1952 – 3rd Republic Day
  • …
  • 2024 – 75th Republic Day
  • 2025 – 76th Republic Day

Thus, based on this sequence, India will be celebrating its 76th Republic Day in 2025, commemorating 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution marking a significant milestone since the adoption of its constitution. The grand event will feature the annual parade at Kartavya Path, near India Gate in New Delhi, showcasing the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary contingents, and cultural tableaux from various states, highlighting the nation’s diversity and progress.

Tickets for the parade, which had seating arrangements for approximately 77,000 spectators, were made available online via the Ministry of Defence’s Amantran Portal (aamantran.mod.gov.in) and offline at designated locations, including Sena Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, Pragati Maidan, and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station. The Beating Retreat ceremony, which concludes the celebrations on January 29, will have tickets priced at Rs 100, available through the Amantran Portal and the MSeva Mobile App.

Republic Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, transforming India into a Democratic Republic. The first Republic Day was observed on January 26, 1951. The 2025 celebrations hold special significance as they commemorate 75 years of the constitution’s adoption, reflecting India’s journey of progress and unity.

What is the theme of 76th Independence Day?

The government has announced the theme for this year’s Republic Day celebrations as ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ which translates to ‘Golden India: Heritage and Development.’ This theme underscores India’s rich cultural legacy and its ongoing strides in development, highlighting the nation’s achievements and future aspirations.

Highlights of the Republic Day Parade

The Republic Day Parade will commence from Rashtrapati Bhavan and conclude at India Gate. This year, tableaux from 15 states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, will participate. Each tableau will uniquely represent the cultural and historical aspects of its respective region.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been invited as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations. His presence is expected to strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Indonesia, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and diplomatic relations.

Traffic Advisory Issued for Republic Day in Delhi

In preparation for the event, Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth movement and public safety during parade rehearsals and the main celebration. Citizens are urged to follow the guidelines and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

Republic Day 2025 promises to be a grand celebration, bringing together citizens from all walks of life in a display of national pride, culture, and progress. As India commemorates 75 years of its constitution, the event will serve as a reminder of the nation’s unity, diversity, and ongoing development.