Indian Republic Day 2025: Parade, flag hoisting time, celebration, and all you need to know

Every year on January 26, Indians celebrate Republic Day-- the day when the Constitution of India came into effect, back in 1950, and India became a ‘sovereign democratic republic’.
It is a day of great joy, honour, and patriotic spirit for Indians because back in 1950, this was the day when the Government of India Act was replaced by the Constitution, and Indians received a government and a form of governance that they fought so hard for.
The parade of Republic Day
Every year on Republic Day Indians are glued to the screens of a TV or their phone in order to watch the Republic Day parade which is no less than a spectacle. It is held every year on ‘Kartavya Path’ and invites visitors, audiences, and chief guests from all over the world. Cameras are placed in all the major spots in order to have live streams from different locations which are then telecasted for the viewers who sit at home in anticipation of seeing the performances, the parades, and the tableaus.
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Children from schools all across India participate in the Republic Day cultural performances and there are tableaus of every major department of the Indian army, navy, and air force.

There are dance performances, parades, air shows by jets, men standing one on top of the other on special bikes in a display of balance, and so much more.

The Republic Day parade usually starts at 9:00 AM after the President, the Prime Minister, and other chief dignitaries arrive. But the lines start queuing up much before that as people rush to take up the front-row seats for the parade.
People leave their homes as early as 5 in the morning to reach Kartavya Path by 6:00 AM and sit together to watch the parades and tableaus live.

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One of the most common doubts many have about the Flag ceremony is the difference between ‘Hoisting’ and ‘Unfurling’.
In India, the National Flag is hoisted on Independence Day, that is August 15, and it is unfurled by the President on Republic Day, January 26.
Hoisting a flag means that you lift it upwards onto a pole from the base and allow it to flow and spread with the air and breeze. But when you unfurl a flag it is already positioned at the top, and you just spread it by loosening the ropes.
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The Republic Day Parade has many highlights and that is why people are excited to not miss it. It shows the strength of India’s armed forces and begins with the regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force marching together, one regiment after the other, all in perfect coordination and synergy. From the marching bands to the foot parades of young boys and girls of the NCC, the charm of their movements is incomparable. There is also a display and tableau of the latest military equipment, including tanks, missiles, and aircraft, that are a true delight not just to the eyes but also to the defence and patriotic sentiment.
The Indian Air Force concludes the parade with a breathtaking flypast every year with fighter jets like the Sukhoi, Rafale, and Tejas.
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The cultural showcases
Another treat to the eyes is the cultural parades and showcases of different states, departments, and schools in the Republic Day Parade. There are unique dances, festival displays, the highlight of whatever is special about a certain state, and the like. From Rajasthan’s folk music to the decorations of Onam, one can spot it all.
Plus, there is the unmissable dance from school children from across the country. Their songs are often of national and patriotic feelings, and the classical steps on ‘Desh Rangeela’ are forever versatile.
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Celebrations across the country
Republic Day celebrations are not limited to the parades in New Delhi but rather also happen in schools, colleges, and even in many government and private offices. And if people are interested and willing, the celebrations also take place within gated colonies and communities.
Children are encouraged to give speeches, make greeting cards, and wish each other on Republic Day. There are declamation competitions, skits and presentations, theatre acts, and much more on the topics of Republic and Independence.
The Principals of the schools or colleges unfurl the National Flag and the Tricolour, and there are special workshops and speeches about the values of the Indian Constitution and the sacrifices made for India’s freedom.
Within schools and colleges, there are also cultural programs, patriotic songs, skits, and dance performances done by students. Some students make Rangolis with flowers or the colour of the Indian flag and there are poems sung in honour of the people who made it all possible.
Through the different competitions and events, schools and teachers try to make the children and students understand the importance of the Republic Day of India, and how it ended a part of British rule for Indians as it replaced the Government of India Act. It is also seen as a reminder of the leaps that India has taken across fields, be it military, culture, or unity.