Republic Day is here and we are sure that many of you are looking forward to watching the parade in the morning. While many of us look forward to celebrating this day with pride and honour, a lot of us do not understand its importance and often find ourselves confused between the Independence Day and the Republic Day.  These two days reflect on our nation’s history, the heroes, the struggles and the progress we’ve made so far, the difference is not just limited to the dates.

 

So just before we immerse ourselves in the merriment, let’s take a look at these key differences between the Republic Day and the Independence Day.

 

1) Difference in dates   

The first and the most obvious reason is the difference in the dates. While the Independence Day is celebrated on the 15^th of August every year, as the declaration of independence was signed on this day back in 1947; the Republic Day is celebrated on 26^th of January every year. The Republic Day is actually based on 26^th November 1949; the day India’s constitution was drafted for the first time. The constitution finally came into effect on 26^th January 1950 which is why it’s celebrated in January.

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2) Difference in its significance

Republic Day celebrates India’s progress since the time of Independence. It is inclined towards highlighting the people who maintain the government like the armed forces and what the future holds. Independence Day, on the other hand, celebrates the birth of our Nation and pays tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to give our nation a better future.

 

3) President is the man of the Republic Day

The President is the head of the state which is why the Republic Day is his/her day to address the nation. The Independence Day is about paying a tribute to the people who helped us get where we are and fought for our nation and since the Prime Minister heads the people of India; 15^th August is his/her day.

 

4) Differences in celebration

 Another one of the major differences between the Republic Day and the Independence Day lies in the way they are celebrated. The Republic day is celebrated by showcasing a spectacular parade that highlights the achievements of every state with pride and honour. Independence Day is celebrated by every citizen of India without representing a particular state. People celebrate it by singing patriotic songs and await the inspirational speech given by the Prime minister soon after hosting the tricolour flag at the Red Fort in the capital city – Delhi.