Sunday, 24 January 2016

Indian Republic Day - 26th January

11 Pictures That Depict The Formative Years Of Our Republic Day Parade









We're all used to the idea that Republic Day means a parade on Delhi's Rajpath. But did you know that the Republic Day parade that we all come to take for granted didn't exist in its present form for the first five years of India becoming a republic? You probably didn't.
Don't worry, we are happy to help. In 11 pictures, here's how our Republic Day celebration came into being. 

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the President of India right before the celebrations of the first Republic Day began.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad wearing in ceremony
Timescontent
The swearing in ceremony took place at Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan. After which the then Governor-general C Rajagopalachari (centre) declared India as a Republic.  

2. 31 men lined up fire in the air - the 31 gun salute. 

31 gun salute

Facebook/Incredible India

3.  While the President now arrives in a cavalcade of cars, in the olden days a horse drawn carriage was all it took.

Rajendra Prasad
Facebook.com/Incredible India

4. Hoisting the flag is an age old tradition. 

Flag hoisting
Facebook/Incredible India

5. There has always been a chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Indonesian President Sukarno had the honour of being the first ever. 

Indonesian president

Facebook/Incredible India
Security wasn't that big an issue for us back then!

6.  The first Republic Day parade took place at Irwin Stadium which is now the national stadium. About 15, 000 people witnessed it. 

First Republic Day
Incredible India

7. It was only in 1955 that Rajpath, earlier known as Kingsway, became the permanent venue for the Republic Day Parade. 

Aerial view republic day
Tumblr
That very year, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad from Pakistan was invited as the chief guest of the ceremony. 

8. Our parade always had the tableaux trend, but these jhankis were way more simple back then! 

jhankis
photodivision.gov.in

9. Jhankis made there way through the streets of Connaught Place so that the common people could enjoy the sight. 

Jhankis
Photodivision.gov.in

10. Back in the day, massive crowds were very easy to manage. 

Crowd
Photodivision.gov.in

11. But these broken chairs from Republic Day 1955 tell us that a mess always followed.  

India gate mess

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