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Posted 20 January 2023 in Culture and Heritage
India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day. We are all pumped to see what’s in store for us during the parade this year. But what exactly is Republic Day, and why is it so important? We will get to all that in this blog.
In a nutshell, Republic Day is the day when India's constitution came into effect, making us an independent nation. Since then, Republic Day has been a national holiday in India, and we celebrate it with enthusiasm and patriotism. It's a day to celebrate our democracy and all that it stands for. On this day, we reflect on the rights and freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of India. We also remember and pay tribute to the leaders who fought for our independence. If you are wondering how we celebrate Republic Day, well, there are many ways. Some people like to watch parades and fireworks, while others prefer to spend time with family and friends. Some people even travel to different places to get a taste of the diversity that our country has to offer.
So, whether you're looking for things to do on Republic Day or places to visit during the long weekend, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the places you can visit during the weekend of Republic Day.
The most prominent historical monument displaying Indian power is the Red Fort in Delhi. The Red Fort, also known as the Qila-e-Shahjahanabad and the Qila-e-Mubarak, has remarkable architecture that was designed by Ustad Hamid and Ustad Ahmed. The construction took a decade between 1639 and 1648. However, there were additional inclusions until the 19th century. Inside the fort, you can explore the market, which sells various ornaments and trinkets associated with India. Within the enclosure, there are also various sites to explore. Two of the most conspicuous buildings are the Diwan-i-Khas (Shah Mahal) and the Rang Mahal (Imtiyaz Mahal).
Red Fort is open from 9.30 PM to 4.30 PM. The entrance fee for Indians is INR 35, and for foreigners, it is INR 500.
Cabs and autos are two ways to get to the Red Fort, however, the best way is by taking the Delhi metro. Exit at Lal Quila station, which is on the violet metro line.
The stunning historical monument worth marvelling at is the Gateway of India. It is located in Mumbai and was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, laid down the monument's first foundation in March 1911, and the monument's construction was completed in the year 1924. Perhaps the architectural design of the Gateway of India is something to look forward to. It was designed by architect George Wittet in Indo-Saracenic style.
There is no entry fee or visiting hours for the Gateway of India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station or Churchgate are the closest train stops to get to the Gateway of India. Alternatively, you can take cabs or autos to get there.
Read more about - Nine things you should definitely do on your next trip to Mumbai
Another significant structure that holds significance for Indian independence is the Aga Khan Palace. It is one of the best places to travel around for your Republic Day. This impressive structure was commissioned to be built by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. What is so interesting about Aga Khan Palace is that several freedom fighters, like Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, were placed under arrest here. Today, you can visit the palace and explore the photo gallery and museum, which contain significant images of the freedom struggle movement, Gandhi's personal items, the dining table, and a letter from Gandhi on the death of his secretary, Mahadeo bhai.
The entrance fee to get inside is INR 15 for Indians, and for foreigners, it is INR 200. Aga Khan Palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
The best way to get to the Aga Khan Palace is by calling a cab or taking an auto. Buses are also an option; although they may be a cheaper means of transport, they take a much longer route.
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Located in a historical place, the Jhansi Fort played a pivotal role in India's first war of independence. Lakshmi Bai, the queen of Jhansi, was one of the most crucial figures in the fight for India's freedom. The Jhansi Fort is situated atop Bangara Hill and is one of the most important historical sites in India. The fort served as a stronghold for the Chandela Kings in Balwant Nagar from the 11th through the 17th centuries. The Fort of Jhansi is spread across 15 acres and has 10 gates. Every year, the Jhansi Mahotsav is held here.
The entry fee to Jhansi Fort is INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners. The fort is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Jhansi Fort is close to the main road; thus, autos and other forms of rickshaws are the best way to get to the entrance of the fort.
The Cellular Jail in India is one of the most famous historical places associated with the freedom movements. It once served as a British prison and now acts as a memorial to the political dissidents it once held. More importantly, the construction of the jail began in 1896 and was completed in 1906. The jail played an important role in the freedom movements by being the site where the Indian prisoners exchanged books, debated, and shared ideas.
The entry fee for the jail is INR 30 for both adults and children. For photography, it costs an additional INR 200, and INR 1000 for videography. It is open from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Cellular Jail is located around 15 kilometres from the city centre of Port Blair. You can get there by car, scooter, or even rickshaw in around 30 minutes.
Read more about - Five top reasons to plan a Port Blair tour
Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar is one of the most important historical places in India. It is one of the best sites to visit during the week of Republic Day. The garden, which covers an area of 26,000 square meters, was the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Today, the garden is a national monument and a place of pilgrimage for Indians and foreign visitors alike. The walls of the garden are pockmarked with bullet holes, and memorial plaques recount the events of the massacre. Tour guides at the Jallianwala Bagh provide visitors with an understanding of the history and importance of the site. We can say that, exploring Jallianwala Bagh during the week of Republic Day may just ignite the love for India and the freedom fighters.
Jallianwala Bagh is open every day from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. There is no fee for Jallianwala Bagh; it is open to all tourists.
Located in the heart of Amritsar, close to the Golden Temple. Getting here is possible on foot, since no vehicles are allowed inside the complex. However, autos are the best way to get close to the entrance of the Jallianwala Bagh.
Read more about - Five reasons to Plan your next trip to Amritsar
One of the best places you can explore during Republic Day is Gandhi Smriti. It is a famous attraction dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. He spent most of his life here until the time he was assassinated on the 30th of January, 1948. Gandhi Smriti was formally known as Birla Bhavan or Birla House. Today, the grounds of Gandhi’s former home have been turned into a museum.
The Gandhi Smriti is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 a.m., Tuesday through Sunday. There is no entrance fee for Gandhi Smriti.
Cabs and autos are the best ways to get to Gandhi Smriti. However, there are also metro stations close to the attraction. Get down at Lok Kalyan Marg on the yellow metro line. It is a 10 minute walk from there.
The Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, was the home of Mahatma Gandhi for over 12 years (1917–1930) before shifting to Sevagram Ashram. It was also a laboratory for his social experiments. This historical place had a tertiary school that focused on manual labor, agriculture, and literacy to further his goal of self-sufficiency for the nation. On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi started his Dandi March from the ashram as part of the Salt Satyagraha. After Gandhi shifted to Sevagram Ashram, the locals preserved this ashram. Today, a large section of the ashram is converted into a museum called Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay.
The Sabarmati Ashram is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day. There is no entrance fee for Sabarmati Ashram.
Cabs and autos are two ways to get to Sabarmati Ashram. There are also bus options, where several buses stop right in front of the ashram.
Republic Day is so much more than just a one-day celebration, it's a time to appreciate all that our country has to offer, and to reflect on the progress we've made as a nation. So, if you're looking for a way to celebrate Republic Day in one of these historical monuments around India, you won't be disappointed.
