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India is the largest democracy in the world. It’s upheld by a lot of factors like the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature. However, there is one factor that unifies all the branches of the government and its people, without any pride, prejudice, or bias. That factor is called the Constitution. Coincidentally, India also has the longest written constitution in the world. It’s only fair that the day the Constitution was formed be celebrated from our hearts and minds.
That day is celebrated as the Republic Day of India on 26th January every year. It’s also a national holiday. On this day, the capital city of Delhi holds a parade on the Rajpath, which is an homage to the history, culture, and military of this country. While the Republic Day parade is one of the biggest celebrations in Delhi, there are a few more places that one can visit and appreciate their influence and connection to the history of India. Here are the 7 best places to visit in Delhi on Republic Day.
1. Red Fort
2. Lodhi Gardens
3. India Gate
4. Qutub Minar
5. Qila Rai Pithora
6. The Tricolour At Central Park
7. Gates Of Delhi
Also read: Top 12 Things To Do In Delhi
Red Fort is one of the most iconic historical monuments in India. Lal Qila, as it’s called in Hindi, is a fortified palace constructed by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor. He employed Ustad Ahmad Lahauri to design the palace which took almost an entire decade to build, finishing in 1648. The biggest tradition of the Red Fort is probably the flag hoisting on Republic Day by the Prime Minister of India.
The complex of the fort consists of Delhi Gate, Lahori Gate, Water Chowk, Chatta Chowk, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Naubat Khana, Baithak, Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Moti Masjid, Sawan, Bhadon, Muthamman Burj, and Sawan Burj. It’s safe to say that it’s difficult to visit the entirety of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a day. However, regardless of what parts you choose to visit, it’s totally worth it.
Lodhi Gardens is the garden that was laid out in place of a village called Khairapur in 1931. Since many monuments and tombs from the Lodi, Sayyed, and Mughal dynasties were a part of the tiny village on what was the outskirts of Delhi, they were incorporated into the garden. This garden was initially called Lady Wellington Park when it was built and opened to the people.
Post-Independence, it was renamed Lodhi Gardens and has since become a great place to experience the multi-dynasty history of the country and its capital. You can soak in the serenity of the place while taking a walk through the many paths and trails. On a holiday like Republic Day, it makes for the perfect spot to visit, relax, and take a dive into a history lesson.
Also read: 5 Romantic Getaways Around Delhi
India Gate is a grand and glorious war memorial built on Rajpath to pay respects to the almost 90,000 soldiers that gave up their lives in the First World War as a part of the British-Indian army. It also has the names of the 13,300 soldiers and servicemen who fought in the third Anglo-Indian war. The construction of India Gate, which was called ‘All India War Memorial’ at the time, began in 1921 and was inaugurated by Lord Irvin in 1931, a decade after beginning construction.
India Gate is a large sandstone arch that looks like a triumphal arch, much like the Arc De Triomphe in Paris and the Gateway Of India in Mumbai. In 1972, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the flame of the immortal soldier was constructed. In 2019, the National War Memorial, honoring the soldiers in the 1961 War in Goa, Operation Pawan, and Operation Rakshak was inaugurated, adding to the glory of the place.
Now, India Gate is a beautiful memorial that can give you a very intimate look at the many wars fought by the soldiers of India. In the evenings, when the whole place is lit up in the golden glow of the lights surrounding the monuments, you can expect a few jitters by the beauty of this place.
Qutub Minar is a minaret, or victory tower, built by the first sultan of the Mamluk Dynasty in Delhi. Sultan Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak started the construction of this humongous monument to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori over Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 A.D. After the death of Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak, the construction on Qutub Minar was continued by his successor Iltutmish and later completed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Qutub Minar takes inspiration from the Minaret Of Jam in Afghanistan but beats the same to become the tallest brick minaret in the world. At 238 feet, the Qutub Minar is five stories tall and has projecting balconies with a roof that tapers.
The Qutub Minar, along with the monuments surrounding it, like the Alai-Darwaza Gate and the Quwwatu’l - Islam (the oldest mosque in North India), have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO since 1993. This monument is definitely a must-see on Republic Day as it holds the beginnings of the culture that is still seen in India.
Also read: Hill Stations To Visit Near Delhi
In the 8th century, the Tomar kings, specifically Anangpal Tomar - II, populated an area called Indraprastha and named it Delhi. After establishing their rule in the area, they built the city of Lal-Kot, which was the first proper city in Delhi. Then in the 12th century, under the rule of Prithviraj Chauhan, the Qila Rai Pithora was built as an extension of Lal-Kot. However, the entirety of Delhi went under the Mamluk Dynasty after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Today, albeit a little forgotten, the glorious Qila Rai Pithora stands in the same setting and shape that the Mamluk Dynasty gave to it. Within the complex of the fort, you’ll find monuments like the statue of Prithviraj Chauhan, the tomb of Azim Khan, and the gateway of Lal-Kot. There are also multiple bastions around the fort complex, along with many more monuments, or at least remnants of monuments, which remind of a well-settled city.
If you want to see the beginnings of the city of Delhi, this is one of the best places to experience a semblance of it first-hand in Qila Rai Pithora. Interestingly, Delhi and many of its monuments like this one, are older than many countries altogether. You should definitely visit this monument on Republic Day to have a relaxing yet historically rich day in Delhi.
At 207 feet high, the Tricolour in Central Park at Connaught Place is one of the tallest National Flags hoisted in India. The Tiranga has been standing tall since 7th March 2014 and is illuminated after sunset, making it a beautiful sight throughout the day.
The flag itself is 60 feet wide and 90 feet in length and was erected by the Naveen Jindal’s Flag Foundation. Interestingly, they were also the ones who inaugurated the monument and hoisted the flag for the first time. The park itself went through extensive renovations in 2006, after which attractions like fountains, water bodies, an amphitheater, and a pathway that covers all parts of the park were added. You can visit Connaught Place or Palika Bazaar if you want to shop a little, too!
Also read: 5 Best Road Trips From Delhi
In 1639, Shah Jahan built a walled city called Shahjahanabad. It was protected by a ten-kilometer wall that went around the entire city. The wall had ten gates to enter, or exit, the city. Each of them was named after the bigger locations that the highways led to, with the Lahore Gate being the main entrance to the city. Many small areas or mohallas were established in this city, the remnants of which you can still see in the part of Delhi called Purani Delhi.
In today’s time, there are five gates that still exist in the glory of the multiple centuries that they have seen. Kashmiri Gate, Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Nigambodh Gate, and Ajmeri Gate still exist. All of these gates have a lot of history including wars, mutinies, victories, and losses. The Delhi Gate is the gate that connects New Delhi to Old Delhi, making it apparent how seamlessly the history of this place has incorporated itself with the day-to-day lives of the residents of Delhi.
Also read: Safe Staycations In Delhi
Summing Up
The capital city of India has been the center of a lot of political, royal, and colonial attention since its inception in the 8th century. It has seen multiple dynasties that brought in their own culture and art, which is very apparent in the architecture, food, and art that is seen in Delhi. On Republic Day, the biggest attraction is the Republic Day Parade and we realize its importance. However, we want to celebrate the history of the city and the influence it has over the rest of the country on this day of remembrance and joy.
Of course, in a city as huge and old as Delhi, it won’t be possible for us to list, or maybe even realize, the best spots to visit. So, we curated the places that will give you first-hand experiences of the history and even give you a perspective towards the formation of today’s Delhi. Don't forget to check out these 7 Places To Visit In Delhi On Republic Day. Stay safe and have fun!
What Happens In Delhi During Republic Day?
On 26th January, India celebrates its Republic Day to celebrate the forming and establishing of the Constitution. On this day, the city sees a huge parade carried out by the branches of the military and is presided over by the Prime Minister of India.
What Does Republic Day Mean?
Republic Day signifies the day on which the Constitution of India was implemented in India in the year 1950. That was also the day India became a republic after the British rule was lifted.
Why Is Delhi Called Delhi?
There are two contradicting stories to this. One story is of king Anangpal Tomar - II, who changed the name of Indraprastha to Delhi in the 8th century, while the other one suggests the rule of a king called Dhilu in 1 BCE, who named the place after himself.
What Is The Best Place To Visit In Delhi On Republic Day?
There is no singular best place in Delhi. The obvious answer is the Republic Day Parade held on Rajpath, but the historical monuments like Qila Rai Pithora, Lodhi Gardens, and Red Fort provide an extensive view of the history and formation of Delhi.
Is Delhi Safe?
Delhi is known to be a relatively safe location. However, due to the high crowds and small spaces, problems like pick-pocketing and eve-teasing are seen. Due to the jam-packed traffic, you might find driving here to be a little difficult, too. As a traveler, we suggest you research the spots you want to visit and avoid any areas that might seem shady or unsafe.
Which Is The Most Visited Place In Delhi?
The capital city of Delhi is studded with several historic architectural wonders. Some of the most visited places in Delhi are Qutub Minar, Red Fort, The Lotus Temple, Lodi Gardens, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Jama Masjid.
Which Hill Station Is Nearest To Delhi?
Being one of the biggest metropolitan cities in India, Delhi paves the way for many other cities in the country. Some of the nearest hill stations that can easily be accessed from Delhi are Auli, Manali, Shimla, Kulu, Nainital, Dalhousie, and Kausani.
What Is Famous Delhi Food?
Some of the must-try dishes, while you're in Delhi, are chole bhature, paranthas, chaat, biryani, chicken kebabs, gol gappas, and samosas.
