Republic Day of India, celebrated every year on 26 January, is often associated with grand parades, patriotic songs, and the adoption of the Constitution. But beyond the familiar symbols lie several lesser-known, well-documented stories that reveal the deeper ideological, political, and human dimensions of India becoming a republic.
This article explores those stories — not myths or trivia — but verified historical facts rooted in credible sources.
Why 26 January Was Chosen: A Political Statement, Not a Coincidence
The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, yet it came into force on 26 January 1950. This choice was deliberate.
On 26 January 1930, the Indian National Congress formally declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) at Lahore. This declaration rejected dominion status under British rule and demanded full sovereignty.
By choosing this date for Republic Day, India symbolically linked its constitutional sovereignty with its freedom struggle, reinforcing that the republic was born from political resistance, not colonial permission.
Source: Constituent Assembly Debates; Indian National Congress records (1930)
The First Republic Day Parade Was Not Held at Rajpath
Today, Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) is inseparable from Republic Day celebrations. However, the first Republic Day parade in 1950 was held at Irwin Stadium (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium).
Rajpath became the permanent venue only later, when the scale, military participation, and international attention grew. Early celebrations were modest, reflecting the economic and administrative realities of a newly independent nation.
Source: Ministry of Defence archives; contemporary newspaper reports (1950)
India’s Constitution Was Handwritten, Not Printed
The original Constitution of India was entirely handwritten, not typed or printed.
It was calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, who spent nearly two years completing the manuscript. The artwork and illustrations were supervised by Nandalal Bose and his students from Santiniketan, blending constitutional law with Indian artistic traditions.
Raizada refused any payment, requesting only that his name and those of his grandfather and teacher be written on the manuscript.
Source: Parliament of India records; National Archives of India
Why the Constitution Is Stored in Helium-Filled Cases
The original copies of the Constitution are preserved in helium-filled glass cases in the Parliament Library.
Helium is chemically inert, preventing oxidation and decay of the paper and ink. This scientific preservation method ensures that the document remains intact for future generations — a detail rarely discussed outside archival circles.
Source: Parliament Secretariat documentation
Republic Day Was Observed with Simplicity in Its Early Years
The first Republic Day celebrations were remarkably modest by today’s standards. There were no massive floats or elaborate technological displays.
This simplicity was intentional. Leaders of the early republic believed the focus should remain on the Constitution and democratic values, not spectacle.
The transformation of Republic Day into a large-scale national event happened gradually, as India’s economy, military, and global standing evolved.
Source: Planning Commission records; memoirs of early civil servants
The President’s Role: A Constitutional, Not Ceremonial Act
On Republic Day, the President unfurls the national flag — not as a ritual, but as a constitutional assertion.
Under the Constitution, India’s executive authority is vested in the President. The act symbolizes that the Republic functions under constitutional supremacy, not inherited power or colonial authority.
This distinction separates Republic Day from Independence Day, where the Prime Minister addresses the nation.
Source: Constitution of India, Articles 74–78
The Republic Day Parade as a Tool of National Integration
From the early years, state tableaux were introduced not merely for cultural display but to counter regional isolation and encourage national unity.
The idea was to let citizens visually experience India’s diversity — languages, traditions, and landscapes — within a single constitutional framework.
This was especially significant in the 1950s, when linguistic reorganization and integration of princely states were still ongoing.
Source: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting archives
Conclusion: Republic Day as a Living Constitutional Memory
Republic Day is not just an annual celebration — it is a living reminder of India’s constitutional journey. The lesser-known stories behind it reveal a nation deeply conscious of symbolism, restraint, and democratic ideals.
Understanding these narratives helps us see Republic Day not merely as a spectacle, but as a continuing commitment to constitutional values forged through struggle, debate, and collective resolve.