Republic Day is a national holiday observed on the 26 January. The holiday commemorates the enforcement of Indian constitution which took place in 1950 after India obtained its independence and freedom from British Rule in 1947. Republic Day is one of the three national holidays in India. The other two are Independence Day (15 August) and Gandhi Jayanti (the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, 2 October).
The main celebrations of the Republic Day take place in New Delhi. The main attraction is the parade showcasing India’s Defence Capability along with Cultural and Social Heritage. Delhi Republic Day parade is held from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), along the Rajpath. The parade is broadcasted nationwide on television and radio. Every part of the country is represented in the parade with total 22 to 30 floats exhibiting the cultures of the various states and union territories of India. Around 1200 schoolchildren present cultural dances as part of the parade.
Indian Navy, Air Force along with nine to twelve different regiments with their bands march in all their finery. The President of India, the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. One of the unique sights of the parade is the camel mounted Border Security Force contingent, which is the only camel mounted military force in the world. The parade traditionally ends with dare devil motor cycle riding by motorcycle units of the Armed Forces and a fly past by the Indian Air Force jets and helicopters carrying the national flag and the flags of the three services.
Every year, since 1950, India has been hosting the head of state or government of foreign country as the guest of honour. The US President Barack Obama was the Chief Guest at Republic Day 2015 celebrations. Obama was the first US president to be invited.
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