Posted on : 19th Jan 2012
Republic Day is one of the most important days in a calender year for Indians. It is observed on 26 January every year. It is one of the three days that have been marked as 'National Holidays of India'. Independence day which comes on 15th August is relevant since it was the day of Indian Independence from British rule.

A committee was appointed right after independence to draft the constitution of an independent India. This committee lead by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar worked for the next four months and presented a draft to the then Indian assembly of 308 members. The members of this assembly met over almost the next three years before finalising the Hindi and English version of the document we know today as the Indian constitution. It was only on 26th January 1950 that we as a nation adopted it as the law defining document for the Indian Republic.

The Republic Day celebrations in India are centered around a national parade which is organised on the morning of 26 January in the capital of the country, New Delhi. This parade moves on Rajpath from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Red Fort where the President of the country takes the salute of the Republic Day Parade. Another Head of State presides over as the Chief Guest on this occasion.

Before the parade, the country's leaders, President, Prime Minister and the commanding officers of the Indian Armed Forces salute the brave martyrs who gave up their lives to defend the nations honour. Right after the hoisting of the Indian national flag bravery awards are also given to the brave heroes of the armed forces and other central forces for their service and to young children for their courage in life situations. This parade shows the military strength and the cultural richness of our country through colourful floats. The different infantry, cavalry and mechanized regiments of the Army, Navy, Air Force march in the parade showcasing the military prowess of our country's armed forces. There are performers who dance and sing throughout the parade.

Flag hoisting and ceremonies and distribution of sweets and mithais is a ritual followed across smaller administrative capitals and institutions such as schools and community centers.

Republic Day is an occasion that asks us to be proud of the rich cultural and social fabric of our country. And, to celebrate it for its importance to the Indian identity by sending Republic Day gifts. One can choose from traditional gift ideas available at Indian Gifts Portal like handcrafted gifts, paintings and show pieces.

It is important that we spend this day as not just any other holiday in the calender. Republic Day should be approached as any other cultural festival by every Indian and celebrated with pomp and gaiety(irrespective of their place of residence). This celebration should thus also include exchanging sweets and sporting flags and badges. Indian Gifts Portal has a similar approach to this 'national holiday' and it specialises in gifts such as Miniature National Flags, Badges, Sweets and Mithais which are now fast becoming a norm at every Republic Day celebration.

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http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/