Do You Know History

26 Jan : Known-unknown facts about Republic day

Republic Day is the day when our constitution came into effect. What else do you know about the day ? Read and learn here.

by Neha Tripathi
  • Till 1954, Republic day was celebrated at different venues like Red fort, Ramlila ground, Irwin stadium (now National stadium) and Kingsway (now Rajpath).
  • Calling special guests on Republic day has been a tradition since 1950.
  • Although 10 times no special guest was called for the Republic day Parade. (1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1970)
  • There were two years when two guests were called for the occasion. (1968 and 1974)
  • First guest for the Republic day Parade was President Sukarno of Indonesia.
  • Pakistan has graced the occasion twice in 1955 and 1965, just 10 weeks before the 1965 conflict with Pakistan started.
  • Chinese dignitary has graced the occasion once in 1958.
  • French dignitary became a republic day guest five times. Francois Hollande was the guest in 2016. France has been the guest for maximum number of times.
  • Bhutan is number 2 with being guest four times for Republic day Parade.
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