Why are Independence Day and Republic Day celebrated? Most people are aware of this, but how is it celebrated? What is the difference? Most people are confused about this. To remove this confusion, today we are telling you the difference between these two national festivals. To explain the difference between the two national festivals in a systematic manner, we are going to mention some points.
Differences in flag flying
Our country got independence on 15th August 1947. At that time, the British flag was taken down and the Indian flag was hoisted. This process is called flag hoisting. This is the reason why the flag is hoisted in this manner on 15th August. About two and a half years later, on 26th January 1950, the Constitution was implemented in the country. This day is celebrated every year as Republic Day. In such a situation, on this day, the flag already tied up is only hoisted (Flag Unfurling).
Difference between flag hoisting and flag unfurling
On 15th August, i.e. Independence Day, the national flag is pulled up and then hoisted. This is called flag hoisting. On 26th January, i.e. Republic Day, the national flag is tied up. It is unfurled and hoisted, which is called flag hoisting. In English, the word Flag Hoisting is used for flag hoisting and Flag Unfurling is used for unfurling the flag.
Who hoists the tricolor on 15 August and 26 January?
The Prime Minister hoists the flag on 15 August. Whereas, the President hoists the flag on 26 January. This happens because the Prime Minister is the political head of the country, while the President is the constitutional head. In such a situation, the President hoists the flag on Republic Day.
difference in program location
On the occasion of Independence Day, the main program is organized at the Red Fort. Whereas, the main program of Republic Day is organized at Rajpath.
difference in address
On 15 August, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort, while on the eve of this, i.e. on the evening of 14 August, the President addresses the nation. However, there is no address by anyone on the occasion of Republic Day. On Republic Day, heads of states of other countries are invited as chief guests to attend the parade ceremony, while there is no tradition of inviting any guest on Independence Day.
The closing ceremony is also different
The Republic Day celebrations conclude with the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony on 29 January. On the other hand, the celebrations of Independence Day, i.e. 15 August, conclude on the same day.
There is a difference in the parade too
There is no parade on 15th August, whereas on 26th January there is a very long parade of soldiers and paramilitary forces. It also includes attractive tableaux and colourful programmes. Through the Republic Day celebrations, the country displays its military strength and cultural glimpses on land, water and sky. On Republic Day, the country displays its military strength and cultural uniqueness, whereas Independence Day Nothing like this happens on the day.
Also read: 20 amazing images and quotes to congratulate on 15 August, download from here