7 Republic Day facts that your children should know

Teach your kids the importance of Republic day so that they know that it's not just another holiday. Here are seven facts to get you started.

9 Republic Day facts for children

Republic day is more than just a national holiday. While all of us swell with pride and go all patriotic when we see the national flag, how many of us make the effort to explain the significance of this day to our kids?

Here are 9 facts you can teach your children about Republic day.

Indian Constitution Came Into Existence

Republic day is celebrated on 26 January because the Constitution of India was framed this day. On 26 November, 1949, the constitution was adopted by the India constituent assembly and came into effect on 26 January, 1950.

The main reason for selecting January 26, as the Republic day was the declaration of Purna Swaraj, Indian Independence that was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress in 1930 on same day.

Indian constitution is the longest

Indian constitution includes 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules consisting of almost 80,000 words. After the withdrawal of British Rule in 1947, it took India 894 to form the constitution, making it the longest in the world.

What the Indian flag represents

The top part of the flag is saffron in colour, the middle part is of white and the bottom is green. There is a blue wheel with 24 spokes in the centre of white band that represents the Ashoka Chakra.

Chief guests at the R-day parade

Our country invites heads of other countries as the guest of honour for the Republic Day parade since the first celebration in 1950.

Heads from a number of countries have attended the ceremonies including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Russia, Mauritius, France, Britain, Brazil, and Nigeria.

This year French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade.

Honours the brave

Indian Armed Forces and civilians receive an award from the President of India on this day for the courage and the hard work. The National Bravery Award is given to children who have displayed acts of bravery.

Marks the beginning of democracy

The constitution marked the beginning of the democracy in India and gave the right to all the citizens above the age of 18 to vote.

From this day, Indians also became entitled to their fundamental rights as well.

The significance of the R-day parade

This day is celebrated to pay tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives to save the nation. The R-day ceremony starts with the Prime Minister of India offering garlands to Aman Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

The President of the country then hoists the tri-colour at the Red Fort and then the celebrations begin as different states and government institutions participate in the R-day parade.

The celebrations end on January 29 with the Beating Retreat ceremony in which the bands of all the three armed forces—army, air force and navy—perform at Raisana Hills.

Do you know any other facts about Republic Day which you would like to share with your kids ? Do let us know.

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