India’s Republic Day is celebrated with great pomp and honor on January 26 every year. Republic Day is when the Constitution of India came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.
It is a national holiday and is marked by parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural and sports events in all the states of the country. With more and more people moving into the city, the culture of celebrating national days has caught on. The revelry is more profound in a community living or in apartments.
The planning for R-Day celebrations often begins well in advance, usually a month ago. Once the scheduling of the events is done, the organizers of the celebrations will begin to inform the people living in the communities. You can use social media to find out how many are interested in being a part of the celebrations or organizing it or volunteering for other activities that would be carried out on the scheduled day.
As there are people of all ages who would love to participate in the events, activities should target all age groups. Registrations for the events can be done online; therefore, there need not be much hassle. The organizers can form a group on WhatsApp to discuss the contests and events.
In order to remember the patriots and leaders of our country, an all-participant quiz can be conducted. From kids to adults, there will be laughter and merriment as everyone will vie with one another to answer the questions. The subject of the quiz can also be discussed online beforehand.
Games are a must in events like this. It will bring people together. You will be surprised to see that more than kids; many adults will turn energetic and willingly take part in the competitions.
No celebration is complete without a musical chair. As you indulge in this game (which should be held according to age group), R-Day wishes and pleasantries will be exchanged. As people join the games one-by-one flags can be distributed. A team can be specifically allotted to pin the tri-color flag on the dress. Chocolates can be given around to all those who join the celebrations.
When people paint their faces with tricolor, even while watching cricket or a football match, it is very important to hold competitions based on our national flag. Children can be asked to paint their faces with the tricolor or participate in fancy dress competitions. Elocution competitions and essay writing competitions about our leaders should be held to instill patriotism among the little ones and resourceful adults can judge the participants.
Cookery contests will make the events very joyful. For instance, the color of the food preparation can be based on our national flag and state-specific recipes should all be given importance. This will help everyone know more about every other state in India. Of course, the bonhomie that would develop when such events are conducted is beyond any measure.
In apartment complexes, where the celebrations are usually held, the entire area is cleaned well the previous day evening. Volunteers tie rows and rows of Indian flags across the ground. A small stage is set up for cultural activities and the flagpole is prepared for the flag hoisting which will take place early in the morning.
A top-ranking retired government official or a serving officer is often asked to hoist the national flag early in the morning on January 26. If the children are interested they can indulge in a small march past and salute the flag.
This is the right time to honor the children who showcased their talents in the competitions that were held as part of the celebrations. Prize distribution and cultural activities can follow the flag hoisting.
It is also the time to honor those who have done their bit for society. After all, small selfless acts of kindness help many marginalized in society. In today’s fast world, we have many elderly who do their small bit for the upliftment of the downtrodden in society. Try to locate them, read out their activities to the public, and honor them. It will encourage them to do more and motivate others to take up many such activities in their own way.
This can be turned into a fundraising event by engaging with donors and showing support for a cause. This will inspire people to make a difference in our society at large. Money collected by the community can be given to families of warriors and martyrs.
Once these activities are over, it will be time for food. Breakfast time will be something lovely in community living. It will be a great get-together with children playing nearby and elders milling around with the breakfast plates. Make it a point to add at least a few snacks or desserts to the table.
