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Republic Day 2025: A Look Back at India’s First Republic Day Celebrations

Republic Day 2025: A Look Back at India’s First Republic Day Celebrations

Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), focuses on 75 years since the enactment of the Constitution. Interestingly, India’s first Republic Day celebration in 1950 did not take place on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path). Rather, the historic event took place in the Irwin Amphitheatre, which has since been rebuilt to form the National Stadium. The Kartavya Path in New Delhi is decked out in tri-colour-themed banners as the nation gears up for the 76th Republic Day celebrations.

Historic India’s first Republic Day: India Becomes a Republic

At 18 am India, a sovereign democratic republic was officially declared in a solemn ceremony conducted at Durbar Hall, Government House. Moments later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of the country along with a 31-gun salute ceremony. Being read in Hindi and English, the President’s oath emphasized the imperative of consolidation of the heterogeneous states of India under a unified Constitution.

The celebrations continued as Dr. Prasad traveled to the Irwin Amphitheatre in a stately coach drawn by six Australian horses. His cortege was greeted by chanting of “Jai” while people ascended trees and rooftops to watch their newly installed leader.

The amphitheater also played host to the grand parade involving 3,000 members of the armed forces and police staff and seven massed band formations, showcasing the military might of India. The capacity of 15,000 venues was swept in colorful decorations, producing an event for the history books.

The Legacy of the Irwin Amphitheatre

Built-in 1933 by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, the Irwin Amphitheatre served as a cultural landmark even before its role in the first Republic Day. Designed by Robert Torr Russell, the amphitheater was renamed the National Stadium in 1951 ahead of the Asian Games.

As the Kartavya Path hosts this year’s parade, it serves as a poignant reminder of India’s journey from the Irwin Amphitheatre to becoming a global powerhouse.

Also, see: Maharashtra Government Approves ₹9 Crore Refund to Shah Rukh Khan for Mannat House

Editorial Director
I'm Shruti Mishra, Editorial Director @Newsblare Media, growing up in the bustling city of New Delhi, I was always fascinated by the power of words. This love for words and storytelling led me to pursue a career in journalism. In this position, I oversee the editorial team and plan out content strategies for our digital news platform. I am constantly seeking new ways to engage readers with thought-provoking and impactful stories.

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