Republic Day in India

Although India obtained its independence on August 15th 1947, the Constitution of India has been in effect since 26 January 1950. Hence 26 January is celebrated as Republic Day. It is one of the three National Holidays in India.

To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Raisena Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, takes salute of the contingents of Armed Forces. The parade also includes vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a fly past by Indian Airforce jets.

The LSE Indian Society make it a point to celebrate this occasion with zest, inviting illuminaries such as Javed Akhtar and Steven Pound MP to talk to students about pressing Indian and global issues.

Republic Day in Malta

On December 13, 1974, the constitution of Malta was substantially revised, turning the former British colony into a republic within the British Commonwealth. This occasion is marked every year as Republic Day in Malta.

Republic Day in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Republic Day on September 24. Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic on August 1, 1976, fourteen years after independence from the British Empire. Since this was already a holiday (Discovery Day ), the holiday was placed on the birthday of the then Prime Minister, Eric Williams. The holiday was abolished in 1996 to make way for Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Liberation Day, but was reinstated in 2002.

Republic Day in other countries

• Guyana: February 23 (1970)
• Pakistan: March 23 (1956), the first Islamic republic