The Pride Of Being Hindustani: This Republic Day, Visit These 5 Places!

Tricolours everywhere, happy faces shining bright and an exhilarating atmosphere of national pride. 26th January or Republic Day as we know it, isn’t a usual holiday! It’s a national holiday – one that should be experienced with a bursting sense of freedom, fervour, and enthusiasm. It’s a day for evoking the spirit of ‘Jai Hind’ and remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to give us a free country to live in. So yes, you could choose to unfurl the national flag and sing the national anthem in your society, but what could be more interesting than to visit destinations that are synonymous with India’s patriotic zeal? This 26th January, let’s take a tour to places to visit on Republic day to truly experience the journey of those who gave up their Todays, so we could have our Tomorrows.

India Gate, New Delhi

Talk about patriotism and how can we forget the capital of our beautiful nation. Nestled in the midst of the capital, India Gate is situated about 2.3 kilometers from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, located at the eastern edge of Rajpath. A historic War Memorial that commemorates the names of people who died during World War 1 and the Afghan Wars, it is definitely at the forefront of India’s signature landmarks. Situated below the India Gate arch are four urns that surround the structure with burning flames and each face of the cenotaph has the words “Amar Jawan”, which means eternal flame, inscribed on it in gold. The beauty of this monument comes alive on Republic Day, with a grand parade that commences from India Gate. The Prime Minister of India lays a garland at Amar Jawan Jyoti to pay tribute to the martyrs. Post which, the President hoists the National flag as the National Anthem is played, and a 21-gun salute is given. It is that proud moment when you get to witness the three wings of the military – the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Forces – coming together and showcasing their strength through the latest tanks, missiles, radars, etc. The parade concludes with a dare-devil motor cycle riding display and a flypast by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath, as spectators look on as their hearts filled with pride. Imagine being there and witnessing a colourful line-up of floats, each depicting the essence of India’s 28 states. It’s a sight that will surely induce goose bumps and make you feel the pride of being a true-blue Indian.

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Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border, Punjab, MAongst Best Places to Visit On Republic Day

Punjab is traditionally home to several brave hearts who have risked their lives for the freedom of this nation. It therefore shouldn’t be a surprise that it houses two important historical places that can awaken the patriot within you – Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border. The freedom movements linked to these places are boldly mentioned in the history of India. Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial built in honour of all the people who were martyred during the Baisakhi massacre. A visit here will expose you to walls laden with bullet holes and memorial plaques, powerful and sorrowful throwbacks to the gruesome killings, many years ago. Wagah Border on the other hand is the border between India and Pakistan. The main aim of Wagah Border is to maintain harmony and brotherhood between the two nations. Visit it on the occasion of Republic Day and you’ll witness the most unique parade by the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistani army, ending with the perfect coordination of the lowering of the two nations’ flags. This is not a sight you see every day, so make sure you go on time and witness an experience that tourists from both nations look forward to. 

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad

In the heart of Ahmedabad, is nestled the modest dwelling of the Father Of The Nation. Set gracefully on the banks of Sabarmati River, this historic place in India has some interesting tales to impart from the life and times of the man who stood for peace and ahimsa. This Ashram was the epicentre of the non-violence and swadeshi movements. Walk into the Ashram and feel the photographs come alive as you experience the essence of the simple life Gandhiji lived, in its environs. Engross yourself in the original manuscripts of Gandhiji’s articles and letters in the Ashram’s library and learn more about the man and the pre-independence era he lived in. Interestingly, Sabarmati Ashram has today become a sought-after destination for those seeking peace, calm and space for introspection. So this Republic Day, get to know more about Gandhiji and learn more about his epic journey to achieve an independent nation.

Chauri Chaura Shaheed Smarak and Jhansi Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Located in the Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh, Chauri Chaura is a memorial which was built to honour the selfless freedom fighters who revolted and were martyred during the British-Indian clashes in the non-cooperation movement. The violence was so extreme that Mahatma Gandhi had to halt the Non-cooperation Movement on a national level on 12 February 1922. Visit this place to pay tribute to these unsung martyrs of pre-independence India – the ones who sacrificed it all so that we live a life of dignity and freedom today. On this tall memorial, you’ll notice the names of the freedom fighters that were hanged here – trust us, it will leave you teary-eyed. Another place with a history one can never forget is the famously known ‘Rani Jhansi ka Qila’ which is situated in the city of Jhansi. The brave heart that she was, Rani Laxmibai single-handedly fought against the British troops and gave up her life to save her people from imperial rule. Seeing her act of bravery, a British General later said, “Here lies the woman, who was the only man among men.” Walking through the fort, learning about the fort’s glorious history in detail through a pictorial representation at the museum, and enjoying the panoramic view from the top is worth every minute spent here.

Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

Located in Port Blair, the Cellular Jail is also known as Kala Pani. A colonial prison which depicts the severe wrath our freedom fighters had to face at the hands of the British, this is a place that isn’t for the faint-hearted. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla and Batukeshwar Dutt were some of the legendary freedom fighters who were jailed here and tortured until their last breath. Today, this jail has been converted into a museum which tells the stories of these brave hearts and their contribution to India’s freedom struggle. A walk-through here will remind you of the atrocities that the sons of our soil would have faced in their long walk to freedom. On Republic Day, sing the National Anthem with pride here, and salute these freedom fighters at the Cellular Jail. For no one deserves more praise than them!

You’ve read stories of our heroes and heroines in history books. But have you ever seen these stories come alive in places that echo with their tales? This Republic Day, make a trip to these destinations and feel the nationalism surge in you, again. Choose from Thomas Cook’s packages and book your holiday right away.