The Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India on  January 26, 1950. The date was chosen to honor the memory of the declaration of independence of 1930. It is one of the three national holidays in India, and while the main parade, Republic Day Parade takes place at the Rajpath, in the national capital New Delhi, where the President views the parade, state capitals also have their state celebrations.

Manish Swarup / AP

Indian paramilitary soldiers perform neck exercises before the start of Republic Day parade rehearsals in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011.

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Indian military servicemen perform stunts on motorcycles during a Republic Day Parade rehearsal in New Delhi on January 20, 2011.

Manish Swarup / AP

Indian Army soldiers gather during Republic Day parade rehearsals in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011.

Alexander Klein / AFP - Getty Images

An Indian Navy brass band marches down Rajpath during a Republic Day Parade rehearsal in New Delhi on January 20, 2011.