Important facts about Republic day that every Indian should know

We all are aware that India's Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26th January. But it is more than just a national holiday. It is also more than the grand parade and tableaux that showcase the military strength and cultural diversity of our country. It is a day to pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for our nation's freedom.

Republic Day is an occasion to commemorate the coming into effect of our Constitution. It is also the time to honor remarkable feats of individuals with awards such as Gallantry awards, National Bravery Awards for children, and so on.

Hope these interesting Republic Day facts will instill national pride and patriotism in you.

1. The word 'republic' means 'a country that is governed by a president and politicians elected by the people and where there is no king or queen'.

2. The first Republic Day was celebrated on 26 January 1950, signifying the coming into force of the Constitution of India.

3. Many significant awards such as the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Veer Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, National Bravery Awards for children, and Kirti Chakra are given away by the President on this day.

4. The 70th Republic Day parade also saw Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi leading an all-male Army Services Corps, becoming the first-ever lady officer to do so.

5. Another significant aspect of the 2019 parade was Major Khushboo Kanwar leading an all-women contingent of Assam Rifles.

6. Until 1984, the President used to arrive for the Republic Day parade in a horse-drawn carriage, after which it was discontinued for security reasons.

7. The Indian Constitution with 448 articles is the longest in the world (At first, there were 395 articles).

8. The Constitution was drafted by a special seven-member Drafting Committee headed by B R Ambedkar. It took them 2 years,11 months, and 17 days.

9. The original hand-written copies are preserved in the Parliament's library in helium-filled cases.

10. The Indian National Tricolor flag's ratio of width versus length is 2:3.

Happy Republic Day!!!