Republic Day: 6 Lesser known facts

January 26, 2017

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While the nation is celebrating the Republic Day, for the 68th time, here are some interesting and lesser known facts, every Indian should know.

- In 1930, when the Declaration of Independence was officially promulgated, January 26th was celebrated as Independence Day or Purna Swaraj Day (complete freedom from the British).

- In 1947, since August 15 became the official Independence Day, in 1950, the Indian Constitution was adopted on this day, to mark the 1930 declaration. So it was in the same year (1950), the first Republic Day was celebrated.

- On January 26, 1950, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad took oath at Durbar Hall of government house.

- Republic Day is a 3-day celebration, that ends with the Beating Retreat on January 29th.

- After a parade was held at Rajpath in 1955, the same venue became the permanent location for holding the celebrations.

- Abide With Me, a Christian hymn by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte, was Mahatma Gandhi's one of the favorite songs and so, the same song was played every year in the celebrations of Republic Day.

Here's wishing all our readers and well wishers a very Happy Republic Day.  

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