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F R I E N D S O F I N D I A |
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N A T I O N A L H O L I D A Y S
Republic Day - January 26 Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, the Constitution of India has been in effect since January 26, 1950. Hence this date is celebrated as Republic Day. To mark the importance of this 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 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 Air Force jets. Address to the Nation by the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Oon Republic Day 2006 May Day - May 1 May Day is celebrated as Labour Day in commemoration of the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. The 1 May date is used because in 1884 the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, inspired by Labor's 1872 success in Canada, demanded an eight-hour workday in the United States, to come in effect as of May 1, 1886. This resulted in the general strike and the U.S. Haymarket Riot of 1886, but eventually also in the official sanction of the eight-hour workday. Independence Day - August 15 At midnight August 15, 1947, India won freedom from Great Britain and became a soverign nation with its own Parliamentary system. Hence this date is celebrated as Independence Day. On the first independence day, first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru said, "At the dawn of history India started on her unending quest, and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her successes, and her failures. Through good and ill fortune alike she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?" Address to the Nation by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Independence Day 2005 Gandhi Jayanti - October 2 Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation". It is celebrated on October 2. It is a declared National Holiday which is observed in all states and union territories. Before Gandhi's death in 1948, he had clearly stated that he did not wish that his birthday be celebrated as a holiday. Nevertheless, the Indian government declared it to be a national holiday after his death. The day is marked by prayer services and tributes to Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular celebration includes prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by local government institutions and socio-political institutions. |
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