Lesser Known Facts About Republic Day

Image: Unsplash

25 January 2026

1. January 26 was chosen as Republic Day because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj from British rule

Image: Unsplash

2. Writing the Constitution of India was not a quick process. It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete

Image: X/@Sonalika_369

3. The original Constitution was handwritten, not printed. It was calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in English and Hindi 

Image: X/@rajyoga_

4. The original copies are stored in helium-filled cases inside Parliament Library, with decorated pages

Image: X/@Mughal_Zuhaib_

5. The first parade in 1950 wasn't at Rajpath. It took place at Irwin Stadium (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium)

Image: X/@sudheer2011

6. The first chief guest of Republic Day was Indonesia's President Sukarno in 1950

Image: X/@mohanstatsman

7. In 1952, formal celebrations were skipped following the death of King George VI

Image: X/@Rainmaker1973

8. The Beating Retreat ceremony, held on January 29, marks the end of Republic Day celebrations

Image: X/@rashtrapatibhvn

Check More Stories

ndtv.com