Why Is Every Years Republic Day Parade Celebrated Along the Kartavya Path?

India is preparing to commemorate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, a momentous occasion in the history of the country. It is the day that India became a republic in 1950 and the recently adopted Constitution went into effect.

The spectacular Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) in New Delhi serves as the centerpiece of the holiday celebrations. With marching contingents from all three branches of the armed forces, eye-catching displays of military hardware, and exhilarating performances by motorcycle teams, this magnificent event highlights India's military might. India has extended an invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron to join in the Republic Day festivities this year.Why is Kartavya Path the site of Republic Day celebrations?

Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, is a significant historical route that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. It was a major player in the Indian independence movement. Originally named Kingsway, this ceremonial boulevard is the main thoroughfare in New Delhi, which was established in 1911 when the British Raj moved its capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata). Kingsway was renamed Rajpath shortly after independence, and Queensway, which ran parallel to it, was renamed Janpath.Rajpath has experienced colonial rule, witnessed the dawn of independence, and basked in the glory of a free, democratic nation over the course of the last seven decades, from hosting yearly Republic Day celebrations to hosting the event. The path represents India's transition from colonial domination to independence as a democratic republic.