Republic Day
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Republic Day in India
Although India obtained its independence on August 15 1947, the Constitution of India has been in effect since 26 January 1950. Hence this date 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 the Armed Forces, takes the salute. The parade also includes vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a fly past by Indian Airforce jets.
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 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 that day was already a holiday (Discovery Day, now replaced by Emancipation 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 South Africa (1961-1994)
Between 1961 and 1994, May 31st was celebrated in South Africa as Republic Day. This practice was discontinued in 1995 following the attainment of majority rule and the reorganisation of public holidays as a consequence.
Republic Day in other countries
- Guyana: February 23 (1970)
- Pakistan: March 23 (1956, the first Islamic republic.)
- The Gambia: April 24 (1970)
- Azerbaijan: May 28 (1918)
- Armenia: May 28 (1918)
- Italy: June 2 (1946, see Birth of the Italian Republic.)
- Portugal: October 5 (1910)
- Turkey: October 29 (1923, commemorating events usually begin in the afternoon of previous day)