In India, Republic Day honours the date on which the constitution of force on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of Indi Act (1935) as the governing document of India.

The Constitution was passed by the constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 but was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition toward becoming an independent republic. 26 January was selected for this purpose because it was this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.

The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the rajpath before the President of India. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India.

To mark Republic Day, a parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), along the Rajpat, past India Gate to Red Fort. Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate at one end of Rajpath, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of unknown soldiers. In Republic Day Parade, the defense forces in their ceremonious dresses along with their latest equipment and cultural activities of India’s all states are showcased.