Mon Jan 26 03:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Republic Day: From Independence Day to a Celebration of the Constitution

The Story:
While India celebrates Republic Day on January 26th, the article highlights that this date was initially observed as Independence Day by Indian nationalists prior to 1947. The Indian National Congress, at its Lahore session in January 1930, declared January 26th as Independence Day. This symbolic act aimed to galvanize the freedom movement. However, when the British decided to grant independence, they chose August 15th, 1947, as the day of power transfer, coinciding with the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The article notes that astrologers deemed August 15th inauspicious, leading to a compromise where independence celebrations began on August 14th with a special session of the Constituent Assembly.

Key Points:

  • Prior to independence, January 26th was celebrated as Independence Day by Indian nationalists, following a resolution passed by the Indian National Congress in 1930.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru, deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and with a strong grasp of foreign affairs, played a pivotal role in promoting January 26th as Independence Day.
  • The British chose August 15th, 1947, as the date for the transfer of power, marking the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
  • Astrologers considered August 15th inauspicious, leading to independence celebrations starting on August 14th with a Constituent Assembly session.
  • The August 14th session included the singing of Vande Mataram, a moment of silence for those who sacrificed their lives, and the presentation of the national flag.

Key Takeaways:

  • January 26th carries significant historical weight as a symbol of India’s early aspirations for independence.
  • The choice of August 15th was a pragmatic decision by the British, prioritizing imperial symbolism over Indian sentiments.
  • The compromise of beginning celebrations on August 14th reflects an attempt to reconcile astrological beliefs with the political reality of the moment.
  • The Constituent Assembly session on August 14th was a symbolic assertion of Indian sovereignty.
  • The article highlights the complex interplay of nationalist sentiment, imperial strategy, and cultural beliefs in shaping the events surrounding India’s independence.

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