Why Republic Day is Celebrated on 26th January?
- Bodhanapu Vishnu
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Every year, on 26th January, India celebrates Republic Day with parades, flags, and pride. But many children wonder, “If India became free on 15th August 1947, why do we celebrate another big day?” Good question. Let us walk through this story step by step.
Independence Day vs Republic Day
On 15th August 1947, India became free from British rule. The British packed their bags and left. But freedom was not yet complete. At that time, the head of India was still the British King. India had a Governor General who represented the British ruler. This system was called Dominion Status. Countries like Canada and Australia also had this system. So even though India was free, it was not fully in control of itself. Real freedom came only when: India made its own Constitution and India chose its own Head of State, the President. This happened on 26th January 1950. That is why this day is celebrated as Republic Day.
Why was 26th January chosen?
The15th August was chosen by the British for handing over power in 1947 due to geopolitical political reasons, more about it in August edition of this magazine. But, long before India became free, from 1930 to 1947, Indians celebrated 26th January as Independence Day. It was called Purna Swaraj Day (Complete Freedom Day). “But how could we celebrate Independence before getting freedom?” Because freedom first starts in the mind and heart.
The Purna Swaraj Declaration
In 1929, the British governor general(Lord Irwin) said India would get dominion status. But the British parliament was not in favour of it. Then the governor flipped his words and said the process will take many years. Indian leaders were unhappy. They wanted full freedom immediately, not promises. In December 1929, at the Lahore Congress Session, leaders decided India would no longer accept partial freedom and India would demand Purna Swaraj. At midnight on 31st December 1929, the declaration was passed.
Why 26th January?
On 2nd January 1930, a few leaders met again to decided on the strategy. They picked last Sunday of the January, which was 26th January to celebrate and explain this idea to all Indians. Why Sunday? - Government workers would not get into trouble, more people could join, leaders can mobilise villages and towns easily. On that day, people hoisted new Swaraj flags, took pledges, and promised to fight for freedom. From then on, 26th January was celebrated every year until independence.
Bringing the story full circle
After independence in 1947, 15th August became the main national day. But leaders did not want the historic 26th January to be forgotten. So, when the Indian Constitution was ready, they chose 26th January 1950 to bring it into force. That day, India became a Republic.
Unfurling vs hoisting
Have you ever watched the flag ceremony on Independence Day and Republic Day? You might have noticed something interesting. The Indian flag is raised differently on these two days. Let us understand this in a simple way.
On 15th August, the Prime Minister hoists the flag. Hoisting means the flag starts from the bottom of the pole, it is pulled up slowly to the top. This shows the birth of a new nation. It reminds us how India rose up from British rule and became a free country in 1947. So, hoisting means rising, just like India rising from slavery to freedom.
On 26th January, the President unfurls the flag. Unfurling means, the flag is already tied at the top of the pole, when the rope is pulled, the folded flag opens and spreads out. This shows something different. It tells us that India is now a Republic, guided by its Constitution.
In simple words
Hoisting = lifting the flag up
It shows freedom from British rule
Unfurling = opening the flag at the top
It shows respect for the Constitution
Both actions are special.Both remind us who we are and how far our country has come.
When the tricolour flies high, it carries our history, hopes, and dreams together.
Now, its time to get on to the stage of your school and tell your friends about the importance of the day on the Republic Day. All the best!
Quiz corner
Who was the Governor General of India during the independence of India in 1947?
Who was the last Governor General of India?
Who was the first Indian to serve as the Governor General of India?
When is constitution day celebrated in India?
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