Republic Day of India
The Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India on 26 January 1950.[1]
The 26th of January was chosen to honour the memory of the declaration of independence of 1930. It is one of the three national holidays in India. While the main parade takes place in the national capital New Delhi at the Rajpath before the president, the anniversary is also celebrated with varying degrees of formality in state capitals and other centres.
Although India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, and the country was a Dominion, with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as Governor General. On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman. While India'sIndependence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution.
A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands. The Constitution of India was passed on 26 November 1949, 10.18 AM IST, but it came into effect completely only on 26 January 1950. Following elections on 21 January 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the president of India. The Indian National Congress and other parties had been celebrating 26 January as a symbol of Independence, even before India actually became independent. Thus, applying the constitution on 26 January, to mark and respect 26 January and the freedom struggle and the freedom fighters.
The amending mechanism was lauded even at the time of introduction by Ambedkar in the following words: "We can therefore safely say that the Indian federation will not suffer from the faults of rigidity or legalism. Its distinguished feature is that it is a flexible federation.
"The three mechanisms of the system derived by the Assembly, contrary to the predictions, have made the constitution flexible at the same time protected the rights of the states. They have worked better than the amending process in any other country where Federalism and the British Parliamentary system jointly formed the basis of the constitution."
What Sir Anthony Eden, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (April 1955 to January 1957), said at the time of the emergence of Indian Republic is relevant in this context. He said, "Of all the experiments in government, which have been attempted since the beginning of time, I believe that the Indian venture into parliamentary government is the most exciting. A vast subcontinent is attempting to apply to its tens and thousands of millions a system of free democracy... It is a brave thing to try to do so. The Indian venture is not a pale imitation of our practice at home, but a magnified and multiplied reproduction on a scale we have never dreamt of. If it succeeds, its influence on Asia is incalculable for good. Whatever the outcome we must honour those who attempt it."
Even more meaningful was the opinion expressed by an American Constitutional authority, Granville Austin, who wrote that what the Indian Constituent Assembly began was "perhaps the greatest political venture since that originated in Philadelphia in 1787."
Austin has also described the Indian Constitution as 'first and foremost a social document.' ... "The majority of India's constitutional provisions are either directly arrived at furthering the aim of social revolution or attempt to foster this revolution by establishing conditions necessary for its achievement."
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To mark the importance of the occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan(President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate . Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate at one end of Rajpath, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of unknown soldiers. Thereafter he reaches the main dais at Rajpath to join other dignitaries, subsequently the President arrives along with the chief guest of the occasion. First he unfurls theNational flag, as the National Anthem is played, and a 21-gun salute is given. Next, important awards like the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra are given away by the President, before the regiments of Armed Forces start their march past.
The different regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is theCommander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Floats exhibiting the cultures of the various states and regions of India are in the grand parade, which is broadcast nationwide on television and radio. Also part of the parade are children who win the National Bravery Award for the year.[2] The parade also includes other vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a flypast by Indian Air Force jets.
Celebrations are also held in state capitals, where the Governor of the state unfurls the national flag. If the Governor of the state is unwell, or is unavailable for some reason, the Chief Minister of the state assumes the honour of unfurling the National Flag of India.
Today, the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country and especially in the capital, New Delhi where the celebrations start with the Presidential address to the nation. The beginning of the occasion is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defence of sovereignty of their country. Then, the President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations.
To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The different regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations even the horses of the cavalry are attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. The crème of N. C. C. cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to participate in this event, as do the school children from various schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms.
The parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion. The parade and the ensuing pageantry is telecast by the National Television and is watched by millions of viewers in every corner of the country.
The patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country together even in her essential diversity. Every part of the country is represented in occasion, which makes the Republic Day the most popular of all the national holidays of India.
[edit]Beating Retreat
The Beating Retreat ceremony officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities. It is conducted on the evening of January 29, the third day after the Republic Day. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The venue is Raisina Hills and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, flanked by the north and south block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace) towards the end of Rajpath.
The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives escorted by the 'President's Bodyguards' (PBG), a cavalry unit. When the President arrives, the PBG commander asks the unit to give the National Salute, which is followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, by the Massed Bands, and at the same time by the unfurling of the Flag of India on the flagpole. The ceremony was started in the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army developed the ceremony of display by the massed bands in which Military Bands, Pipes and Drums Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands Navy and Air Force take part which play popular tunes like Abide With Me, Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Hymn, and Saare Jahan Se Achcha at the end.[2][3][4]
[edit]Chief guest
Since 1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. During 1950-1954, Republic Day celebrations were organized at different venues (like Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila Grounds).[5] It was only starting 1955 when the parade in its present form was organized at Rajpath.[5] The guest country is chosen after a deliberation of strategic, economic and political interests. During 1950s-1970s, a number of NAM and Eastern Bloccountries were hosted by India. In the post-Cold War era, India has also invited several Western leaders on a state visit during the Republic Day. It is notable that before India fought wars with China and Pakistan, leaders from these countries were invited as state guests for the Republic Day celebrations. Interestingly, Pakistan Food and Agriculture Minister was the second state guest from that country for Republic Day in 1965, a few days after which the two countries went to a war. Countries which have been invited multiple times include India's neighbours (Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius), defence allies (Russia/USSR, France and Britain), trade partners (Brazil) and NAM allies (Nigeria, Indonesia and erstwhile Yugoslavia). France has the distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum (four) number of times followed by three visits each from Bhutan, Mauritius and USSR/Russia.
[edit]See also
- Independence Day (India)
- History of India
- Republic Day in other countries
[edit]References
- ^ "Introduction to Constitution of India". Ministry of Law and Justice of India. 29 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ a b National Bravery Awards-2005 Press Release, Govt. of India.
- ^ "Beating Retreat weaves soul-stirring musical evening".The Times of India. Jan 29, 2011.
- ^ "Martial music rings down the curtain". The Times of India. Jan 30, 2011.
- ^ a b c d http://www.scribd.com/doc/27325262/Yog-Sandesh-Jan-10-English
- ^ www.claudearpi.net/maintenance/uploaded_pics/SW29.pdf
- ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Ntoyi7nyU6AJ:www.dawn.com/2005/01/31/fea.htm+india+"chief+guest"+of+"republic+day+parade"+"1955"&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=lQ74TNLeDpS4sAOS1oSGAg&ct=result&id=iru1AAAAIAAJ&dq=visit+india+republic+day+january+1964+nehru&q=republic+day#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=8F_4TIDxJ5KqsAPxxvDtAg&ct=result&id=Rh1uAAAAMAAJ&dq=visited+india+as+guest+%22republic+day%22+%221957%22&q=marshall#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=QfqUPmd1nvQC&pg=PA375&lpg=PA375&dq=Voroshilov+visited+india+january&source=bl&ots=DlQvYLLddW&sig=y2KZqSLRHhhvFVMqY4m_BaSFWPE&hl=en&ei=e_b3TL6ZHojUtQPczfn-AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Voroshilov%20visited%20india%20january&f=false
- ^ http://www.timescontent.com/tss/showcase/preview-buy/123836/News/Pandit-Jawaharlal-Nehru-Queen-Eliza.html
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=RNH6TMSOIY64sQO0lKj3DQ&ct=result&id=41jVAAAAMAAJ&dq=Norodom+Sihanouk+visit+to+india+january+1963+republic+day&q=invitation+1963+radhakrishnan#search_anchor
- ^ http://www.google.com/search?q=visit+to+New+Delhi+of+Mr+Kosygin+on+the+occasion+of+Republic+Day&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=visit+of+Alexei+Kosygin+on+india+Republic+Day+january+1969&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbs=bks:1&source=og&sa=N&tab=wp&fp=7d6fc978b7918c0e
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=6sz6TO6GJ476sAPz99T2DQ&ct=result&id=v2LVAAAAMAAJ&dq=bulgari+president+T.+Zhivkov+visit+to+india+january+1969+republic+day&q=Todor+Zhivkov+republic+day#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=2yL4TOSOBJO6sQPS97n8AQ&ct=result&id=Ij9EAAAAIAAJ&dq=visit+to+india+january+1971+republic+day&q=principal+guest#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=cNb6TIzDOpL0tgOuqd33DQ&ct=result&sqi=2&id=y1IgAAAAMAAJ&dq=visit+to+india+Republic+Day+celebration+january+1972&q=Ramgoolam+republic+day#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=DOT6TKCaAoS0sAPa0oj3DQ&ct=result&id=nw62AAAAIAAJ&dq=President+Mobutu+of+Zaire+visited+a+state+visit+to+India+from+January+21+1973&q=President+Mobutu+#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=7TT4TNKOJonAsAPrqMnXAg&ct=result&id=9mhDAAAAYAAJ&dq=visit+India+in+January+1973+guest+%22republic+day%22&q=tito#search_anchor
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=BVnVAAAAMAAJ&q=President+Kenneth+Kaunda+visit+to+india+1974+republic+day&dq=President+Kenneth+Kaunda+visit+to+india+1974+republic+day&hl=en&ei=7i34TMO1CpL4swOdrd2WAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDsQ6AEwBQ
- ^ http://www.ambafrance-au.org/france_australie/spip.php?article1521
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=F_73TP6oB5TAsAP46oWVAg&ct=result&id=s94nAAAAMAAJ&dq=Edward+Gierek+visit+india+in+january+1976&q=Edward+Gierek+1977#search_anchor
- ^http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum/projects/hillery_exhibition/5_visits.htm
- ^ http://www.hcindia-au.org/bilateral_visits.html
- ^ http://mealib.nic.in/reports/80.81.htm
- ^ http://mealib.nic.in/reports/81-82.htm
- ^ http://mealib.nic.in/reports/83.84.htm
- ^ http://mealib.nic.in/reports/84.85.htm
- ^ www.mea.gov.in/meaxpsite/foreignrelation/23fr01.pdf
- ^ www.mea.gov.in/meaxpsite/annualreport/ar20002001.pd
- ^http://meacommunity.org/Documents/MEA%20Annual%20Report%201986.doc
- ^http://meacommunity.org/Documents/ANNUAL%20REPORT%201987.doc
- ^http://meacommunity.org/Documents/ANNUAL%20REPORT%201988.doc
- ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/choosing-rday-chief-guest-behind-the-warm-welcome-a-cold-strategy/571348/6
- ^ a b c d http://www.indianexpress.com/news/choosing-rday-chief-guest-behind-the-warm-welcome-a-cold-strategy/571348/5
- ^ "General South African History timeline" sahistory.org.za Accessed on 13 June 2008.
- ^ a b c d http://www.indianexpress.com/news/choosing-rday-chief-guest-behind-the-warm-welcome-a-cold-strategy/571348/4
- ^ a b c d http://www.indianexpress.com/news/choosing-rday-chief-guest-behind-the-warm-welcome-a-cold-strategy/571348/3
- ^ a b c d e f http://www.indianexpress.com/news/choosing-rday-chief-guest-behind-the-warm-welcome-a-cold-strategy/571348/2
- ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/choosing-rday-chief-guest-behind-the-warm-welcome-a-cold-strategy/571348/1
- ^ http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/aug/03/indonesian-president-next-republic-day-parade-chief-guest.htm
- ^ http://www.deccanherald.com/content/208764/thai-pm-chief-guest-indias.html
Republic Day is the name of a holiday in several countries to commemorate the day when they became republics.
1 January in the Republic of Slovakia
This was the day of creation of the Republic of Slovakia. A national holiday since 1993. It is officially called "The day of the establishment of the Slovak Republic".
[edit]9 January in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
After Yugoslavia fell apart, Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina wanted to stay with Serbia and Montenegro. Croats and Bosniaks, on the other hand, wanted to create independent state(s). On 9 January 1992, Bosnian Serb authorities declared the creation of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, now called Republika Srpska ("Serb Republic", not to be confused with the Republic of Serbia) as a state within the country of Bosnia of Herzegovina. Republika Srpska now celebrates Republic Day on the anniversary of the state's creation.
[edit]26 January in India
Main article: Republic Day (India)
India gained independence on 15 August 1947, after which the process of preparing a constitution was started. The Constitution was passed on 26 November 1949 in the Constituent Assembly. It was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, when the country became a republic in true sense. 26 January was selected, because it was this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was passed.
To mark this occasion, a grand parade is held near Rajpath in New Delhi, the capital of India, beginning from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort in the old quarter of the city. Different infantry, cavalry and mechanized regiments compose the Indian Army, the Indian Marines and the Indian Air Force's march in formation, who are decked in all their finery and official decorations.
The President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, relishes the salute. The Chief Guest of the parade is the Head of State or Head of Government of another nation. The parade also includes many traditional dance troupes, to symbolize the cultural heritage of India. It traditionally ends with a colourful flypast by Indian Air Force jets in a tiranga formation. Similar parades are held in the capitals of all the states of India, where the governors of respective states take the salute. The official conclusion of Republic Day festivities is much later on 30 January, four days after the Republic Day, which is called 'Beating Retreat'.
[edit]February
[edit]1 February in Hungary
On 1 February 1946 Hungary commemorates the proclamation of Republic of Hungary. Since 2004, this day is a national commemoration day, not a public or national holiday.
[edit]March
[edit]23 March in Pakistan
Main article: Republic Day (Pakistan)
In Pakistan this day marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution. Republic Day of Pakistan was first observed in 1956 when Pakistan officially became an Islamic Republic (previously Pakistan had the status of a Dominion). The main events of this day include a full military parade and the awarding of honors at the Presidency (Presidential Palace) by the President. Every year, on 23 March, the Pakistani people commemorate their National Day in remembrance of “The Pakistan Resolution” passed on 23 March 1940, in the historic city of Lahore which is also the day the country was declared a republic.
[edit]April
[edit]1 April in Iran
In Iran, this day marks the plebiscite approving the proposed constitution, establishing the Islamic Republic.
[edit]May
[edit]28 May in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nepal
On 28 May 1918 Armenia and Azerbaijan declared independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, thus forming the Democratic Republic of Armenia and the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. It was the first sovereign republic in the history of both countries and Azerbaijan the first democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. However the holiday was not celebrated during Soviet times, and it only achieved consistency after the collapse of the USSR.
A decade-long People's Revolution by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) along with several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties of Nepal in 2006, culminated in a peace accord and the ensuing elections for the constituent assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the abdication of the last Nepali monarch Gyanendra Shah and the establishment of a federal democratic republic on 28 May 2008.
[edit]31 May in South Africa (1961–1994)
Between 1961 and 1994, 31 May 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. On the last Republic Day, in 1994, South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations.
[edit]June
[edit]2 June in Italy
The Festa della Repubblica is celebrated on the second day of June, and it commemorates the institutional referendum of 1946 when (by universal suffrage) the Italian population was called to decide what form of government (monarchy or republic) to give to the country after World War II and the fall of Fascism.
After 85 years of monarchy, with 12,717,923 votes for and 10,719,284 votes against, Italy became a Republic, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy were deposed and exiled. This is one of the most important Italian public holidays which, like 14 July in France and 4 July in the USA, celebrates the birth of the nation. A grand military parade is held in central Rome.
See also: Birth of the Italian Republic
[edit]July
[edit]1 July in Ghana
This is Ghana's republican day.
[edit]4 July in Philippines
President Diosdado Macapagal changed 4 July from Independence Day to Republic Day
[edit]14 July in Iraq
14 July 1958 is the day the Hashemite monarchy was overthrown in Iraq by popular forces led by Abdul Karim Kassem, who became the nation's new leader. The event was commemorated in Baghdad with a statue in 14 July Square.
[edit]25 July in Tunisia
It is the anniversary of the abolition of the monarchy by the National Assembly, resulting in the proclamation of the Republic of Tunisia. Habib Bourguiba was chosen to be the first president.
[edit]October
[edit]5 October in Portugal
5 October in Portugal is known as Implantação da República. It celebrates the proclamation of the Portuguese First Republic in 1910.
[edit]10 October in Republic of China
10 October in Taiwan is a national holiday commemorating the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911, the symbolic start of the Chinese revolution with the Wuchang Uprising. It is also known as the Double Ten Day.
[edit]24 October in Rhodesia (1970–1979)
Although the government of Ian Smith declared Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) a republic on 2 March 1970, it was officially commemorated on 24 October. Following independence in 1980, the holiday was abolished.
[edit]25 October in Kazakhstan
In the waning days of Soviet rule, individual republics of the Soviet Union sought greater autonomy. The Soviet Union agreed in early 1990 to give up its monopoly of political power. Following the lead ofLithuanian SSR, Russian SFSR and others, Kazakh SSR declared its sovereignty on 25 October 1990, and Kazakhstan subsequently became independent on 16 December 1991 as the Soviet Union collapsed. 25 October, the anniversary of the adoption of the "Declaration on State Sovereignty of Kazakh SSR" by the Kazakh legislature in 1990, is now commemorated as Republic Day (Kazakh:Республика күні, Respwblïka küni), a public holiday in Kazakhstan.
[edit]29 October in Turkey
On 29 October 1923, the Turkish constitution was amended and Turkey became a republic. This formally declared the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. Republic Day (Turkish: Cumhuriyet Bayramı) is celebrated throughout Turkey and Northern Cyprus every year. Commemorative events usually begin in the afternoon on the previous day. In observance of the holiday, government offices and schools close for a day. Also, there are fireworks shows in all cities of Turkey. It is also a day everyone commemorates Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
[edit]November
[edit]11 November in the Maldives
On 11 November 1968, the monarchy of the Maldives was abolished and replaced by a republic.
[edit]15 November in Brazil
On 15 November 1889, in the city of Rio de Janeiro (the Brazilian capital at that time), a military coup led by Field Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca overthrew Emperor Pedro II and declared Brazil a republic.
[edit]29 November in the former Yugoslavia (1945–1990)
On 29 November 1943 the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia established the foundations of post-war Yugoslavia as a socialist republic, which was officially proclaimed on the same date in 1945. Republic Day (local name: Dan Republike or Дан Републике) marked the occasion two consecutive days, 29 and 30 November, and was likely the most important holiday (the other two-day holidays were New Year and May Day).
In elementary schools first graders were inducted into the Pioneer Movement on or around Republic Day. Employees merged the holiday with weekends and extra days off to form weekends of three, four or even five days. Urban dwellers took the occasion to visit their relatives in the country, who marked the event with pig slaughter and the ensuing feast.
In the 1980s, as central and Communist Party authority eroded, dissenters targeted Republic Day celebrations for criticism. In 1987, Bosnian garage rock band Zabranjeno pušenje published a song entitled Dan Republike, in which they criticized the state of the economy and protested the general indifference to the ideals behind the holiday. The band had to change some of the lyrics before being allowed to air the song.
In 1989, Slovenia and Croatia were the first federal republics to cease observing the holiday. Other seceded republics followed suit as Yugoslavia dissolved. Federal Republic of Yugoslavia kept the holiday until 2002.
The date "29.XI.1943" figured prominently on the Yugoslav coat of arms.
[edit]December
[edit]13 December in Malta
On 13 December 1974, the constitution of Malta was substantially revised, transforming the former British colony from a Commonwealth Realm into a republic within the Commonwealth. The British monarch was no longer Reġina ta' Malta (Queen of Malta) and the new Head of State was President Sir Anthony Mamo. This occasion is marked every year as Republic Day (Maltese: Jum ir-Repubblika) in Malta. The monument of Republic Day is at Marsa.
[edit]18 December in Niger
18 December 1958 is commemorated in the Republic of Niger as Republic Day, the national holiday. Although not the date of formal independence from France, 18 December marks the founding of the Republic and creation of the Presidency of the Republic of Niger, following the constitutional changes of the French Fifth Republic, and the elections of 4 December 1958 held across the French colonial possessions. Nigerians consider this date to be the founding of their nation. Between 18 December 1958 and 5 August 1964, Niger remained a semi-autonomous republic within the French Community.
The 16th is celebrated in Niger with official festivals and appearances of political leaders, as well as public parties and festivities. The 50th anniversary celebrations were held in 2006, centered not in the capitol, but in the regional center of Tillabéry, and surrounded by sports, musical and arts competitions, the opening of new buildings, a National Youth Festival, and other public festivities.[1]
[edit]Republic Day in other countries
- This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
- Albania: First Albanian Republic 21 January (1925), Second People's Republic of Albania 11 January (1946)
- Armenia: 28 May (1918, see Democratic Republic of Armenia)
- Azerbaijan: 28 May (1918, see Azerbaijan Democratic Republic)
- Burkina Faso: 11 December (1958, when the Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community.)
- East Germany: 7 October
- Gambia: 24 April (1970)
- Greece: 24 July (1974)
- Ghana: 1 July (1960)
- Guyana: 23 February (1970, also known as Mashramani)
- Iceland: 17 June (1944)
- India: 26 January (1950)
- Iran: 1 April (also known as "Islamic Republic Day")
- Iraq: 14 July
- Kenya: around 12 December (1963, see Jamhuri Day.)
- Lithuania: 15 May (1920, known as the Constituent Assembly Day)
- Maldives: 11 November (1968)
- Nepal: 28 May (2008)
- Niger: 18 December (1958)
- North Korea: 9 September (1948)
- Pakistan: 23 March (1956)
- Sierra Leone: 27 April, (1961)
- Sri Lanka: 22 May, (1972)
- Tunisia: 25 July, (1957)
- Turkey: 29 October (1923, see Republic Day (Turkey))
- Trinidad and Tobago: 24 September (1976)
[edit]See also
 | Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Republic Day |
[edit]References
- ^ Commémoration du 18 décembre à Tillabéri : Sons et lumières à la cité des Maïga. Assane Soumana, Sahel Dimanche. 12 December 2008
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