India's 59th Republic Day Parade
When: 26 Jan 2008 (annual)
Where: Delhi
Route: Raisina Hill, along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort.
Chief Guest: Sarkozy
Every year on 26 January the founding of the independent Republic is remembered throughout India. In New Delhi the spectacular celebrations include the march past of the three armed forces, massive parades and traditional folk dances, music from all over India and an Air Force fly-by. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute.
Although independence from British rule was actually gained on 15 August 1947 - an occasion marked by the Independence Day celebrations every year - the establishment of the Republic actually has its roots in the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress at midnight of 31 December 1929 & 01 January 1930. During the session the tri-colour flag was unfurled by the nationalists and a pledge taken that every year, on 26 January, Independence Day would be celebrated. This declaration of the spirit of independence became reality when the Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India came into force on 26 January 1950.
Celebrations, though on a much smaller scale, are also held in state capitals, where the governor of the state unfurls the national flag. If the Governor of the state is unavailable for some reason, the Chief Minister of the state assumes the honor of unfurling the National Flag of India.
Note: Photograph taken on 26 Jan 2007
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