Republic of India was born as the Constitution came into effect on the promised day of January 26, 1950. However, the celebrations marking the historic occasion was held at a heritage amphitheatre in Delhi and not along the ceremonial boulevard that has over time become synonymous with the annual ceremony. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. Seventy-five years later, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto became the chief guest at the parade which will also saw the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from that country.
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Huge tri-colour-themed banners were put up along the Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) with 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas' as the theme --marking the 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution — for this year's tableaux that rolled down the boulevard.
The maiden celebrations marking the birth of the Republic of India were not held on Rajpath, the historical avenue where the celebrations have taken place since 1951.
It was held in the 1930s-era Irwin Amphitheatre after the country got its first president in 1950.
Iconic public buildings, parks and railway stations dazzled with lights on the night of January 26, 1950, turning the capital city