Republic Day is a national holiday in India, celebrated on January 26th each year to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. On this day, a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, featuring floats and performances representing the cultural diversity of the country. The President of India also delivers a speech and the national flag is hoisted. It is a day of national pride and unity.
In some states, grand parades are organized featuring floats representing the state's culture and history. Folk dances, music, and traditional performances are also a common feature of the celebrations.
The significance of the day lies in the fact that it marks the transition of India from a British colony to a republic with a democratically elected government. It also symbolizes the unity and diversity of the nation and reaffirms the commitment to democracy and secularism.
Additionally, many states also hold competitions such as patriotic song and quiz competition, patriotic speeches and patriotic poetry recitation.
Different regions of India have their own traditional foods that are prepared to mark the occasion of Republic Day. Some common foods that are often served during the celebrations include:
Sweets: Sweets such as Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Ladoo, and Kulfi are popular desserts that are often served on Republic Day.
Snacks: Samosas, Kachoris, Dhokla, and Bhel Puri are popular savory snacks that are often served on Republic Day.
Main dishes: Different types of curries and biryanis are also prepared as main dishes. Pulao and Biryani are also popular dishes.
Drinks: Fruit juices, lassi, and buttermilk are common drinks that are served during Republic Day celebrations.
India is a diverse country with a rich culinary tradition, and each state has its own unique desserts that are an integral part of their cultural heritage. Here are 29 desserts from 29 states of India that you can try on Republic Day or any other day:
Bal Mithai - Uttarakhand
Malaiyo - Uttar Pradesh
Chhena Jhili - Odisha
Puran Poli - Maharashtra
Khoya Barfi- Punjab
Arisi Thengai Payasam - Tamil Nadu
Gulab Jamun - Delhi
Thekua- Bihar
Ghari - Gujarat
Pootharekulu Kunda - Andhra Pradesh
Mysore Pak - Karnataka
Palada Payasam - Kerala
Mawa Bati - Madhya Pradesh
Churma Ladoo - Rajasthan
Bebinca - Goa
Aloo ka Halwa - Haryana
Malpua - Jharkhand
Komolar Kheer - Assam
Til ke Ladoo - Chhattisgarh
Patande - Himachal Pradesh
Kashmiri Shufta- Jammu and Kashmir
Madhurjan Thongba - Manipur
Pukhlein - Meghalaya
Koat Pitha - Mizoram
Nap Naang - Nagaland
Awan Bangwi - Tripura
Khapse - Arunachal Pradesh
Boorelu - Telangana
Mishti Doi -West Bengal
These are just a few examples of the many delicious desserts that can be found in India. Each state has its own unique variations and specialties, so it's worth exploring the different regions to discover new flavors and treats.
It's also worth noting that, Some states have their own traditional food that they prepare on republic day, like in Gujarat they prepare "Undhiyu" a mixed vegetable delicacy, In Andhra Pradesh they prepare "Bagara Rice" a special rice dish with peanuts and sesame seeds, In Maharashtra they prepare "Modak" a sweet dumpling filled with grated coconut.
Overall, the food that is prepared to mark the occasion of Republic Day is a reflection of the rich and diverse culinary heritage of India. In short, India's Republic Day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution and to honor India's transition to a republic. It is a day of national pride and unity, and a reminder of India's commitment to democracy and secularism.
