Introduction
Rashtraparv, an official website of Ministry of Defence for disseminating information related to National events i.e. Republic Day Celebrations (RDC) and Independence Day Celebrations (IDC) to general public. These information majorly includes Seating Plan for events, Parking Layout, Route Map, Schedule of events, Ticket availability for a particular event and other information like details of Tableau shortlisted for Republic Day Parade etc.
Republic Day in India commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India and the country’s transition to a republic which came into effect on 26 January 1950. The constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation from a dominion into a republic, following its independence from the British Raj in 1947. The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The date was chosen because the Indian National Congress had proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence) on that date in 1930.
On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess. The parade is presided over by the President of India. Chief Guest on the occasion is notable personality of a guest nation. One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is to honor the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to bestow bravery awards upon military personnel and citizens.
Independence Day is celebrated annually on 15 August commemorating the nation's independence from the British on 15 August 1947. On this day the Indian Independence Act 1947 came into effect, transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India attained independence following the independence movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation.
Beating Retreat is a ceremony that marks the end of Republic Day festivities in India. It is held on the evening of January 29, three days after Republic Day, at the Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. The ceremony features a musical performance by the bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). The ceremony is presided over by the President of India, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces. The beating retreat ceremony in India was first held in 1950s, during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Since then, the ceremony has become an annual event to pay tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
