Republic day is round the corner, just a few hours to catch up. And every street and corner of the country is already in the celebratory fervor to mark the historic event. With today, 25^th January being the National Tourism day as well as a Saturday, followed by 26^th January, Republic Day, a Sunday; you have got two days to delve into the patriotic spirit and explore your own ‘capital city’.

A weekend to celebrate culture, heritage and patriotism and touring the famous capital cities like never before. You can head to the busy streets or visit back to the rich history of the country through its monuments, museums and other cultural events. Moreover, do not consider Republic Day as a holiday, rather keep the values and ideals of the freedom fighters in the upfront and explore the incredible legacy of India. Here is a list of the famous capital cities, that you can head nearest to you:

New Delhi

What better than the Capital of the Nation, New Delhi to celebrate Republic Day! It breathes in the national spirit this day. The Annual Republic Day Parade on the Kartavya Path is where you can witness India’ culture, its military prowess and the technological advancements in defense. A spectacular display of the Tableaux by various states, Union territories and ministries is worth watching. The Air force’s might in the air through aircrafts has to be experienced once in a lifetime.

You can also visit landmarks like India Gate, Red fort, Rajghat Memorial, Rashtrapati Bhawan or Samvidhan Sadan. Other forts and memorials are also worth going to! But make sure you follow the Delhi traffic advisory before you head out in the city.

Amritsar, Punjab

The historic Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, the place that every nation lover shall visit once in their lifetime. And what better time than the occasion of Republic Day. How can we forget the celebrations at the Wagah Border, a spectacular show by the Indian and Pakistani forces in the beating retreat ceremony!  

So, you can basically start with the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Wagah Border, then head to the Golden temple for a serene start and then honor the freedom fighters at the Jallianwala Bagh memorial.

Mumbai

The city of the famous Gateway of India, aamchi Mumbai! After the National Capital, it has to be the financial capital of India where you can indulge in the spirit of Republic Day. And the city of Mumbai celebrates every festival with great enthusiasm and joy, whatever be it. As a localite you must be well aware of. Even if you are a visitor, you have a long list of things to do-

Visit the Gateway of India and Marine Drive to witness the Republic Day Parade and the flag hoisting ceremony near the vast sea. There is the ongoing Kala Ghoda Art festival that you can attend. In the evening, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus which is lighted up in the tri-color. Or the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue. You can simply get along the cultural heritage tour of the city!

Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, the city of joy is known for art and culture. The city gathers at the Red Road for the flag hoisting ceremony and march-past and the flypast by Indian forces. It represents a splendid show of India’s cultural diversity, unity and patriotism. Further, you can visit the Victoria Memorial and the Indian Museum to dive into India’ colonial past and the freedom struggle.

The 19^th century built Marble Palace, Fort William which is home to the Indian Army’s Eastern command headquarters, Howrah bridge and BBD Bagh are other sites to explore on the occasion of Republic Day.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

The city that holds both tradition and grandeur, the tales and history of the ruling Maharajas back then. You can start with the parade and cultural performances at Albert hall Museum. Following visit to the iconic Hawa Mahal, the city palace and the Jantar Mantar. There are many other forts and palaces that you can explore in the city.

Notably, the Jantar Mantar has the world’s largest observatory and the largest stone sundial in the world. So, just get out in the pink city to get into the patriotic fervor this Republic Day.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

The Republic day celebrations in Gujarat are held in the capital city of Gandhinagar. But Ahmedabad has got a unique feel, as the place is home to Bapu’s Sabarmati Ashram. The Ashram is located on the banks of the Sabarmati riverfront and gives an insight to the life of the father of the nation who used to live there. You can know more about the Gandhian movements carried against the British.

Apart from it, you can also visit the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Jhulta Minar and the Calico Museum of textiles with some other spots of cultural heritage in Ahmedabad.

Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands holds a history that goes down for ages. To spend a calm and peaceful Republic Day, you should visit Port Blair. There is more than the scenic beauty of Andaman, the historic cellular jail which will give you goosebumps, a highly emotional feeling when you get to know about the history of the place…the way our freedom fighters were treated as prisoners.

The place is a must visit for the flag hoisting ceremony in the morning, there is also an arrangement of the light and sound show. You can visit the islands and beaches in the remaining hours of the day.  

With this, we have got your plans ready for the grand Republic day celebrations this year. If you are a localite, then you should surely visit these places of your city. And if you are near or can reach out, then go for it. Republic Day will be celebrated in the whole country with great enthusiasm, but in these cities it is all sort of a different experience. Happy Republic Day all!