Watch: How India Celebrated Its First Republic Day in 1950

The Republic Day parade is a spectacle to behold. But how did the nation celebrate its first ever Republic Day?

Nehru with Sarat Chandra Bose and Subhash Chandra Bose. Photo used for representational purpose.

(Photo Courtesy: Nehru Memorial Museum & Library)

(This story was first published on 26 January 2017. It has been reposted from The Quint's archives on the occasion of Republic Day.)

The Indian Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950. Every year, the day is marked by a show of military muscle, with marching contingents, tanks, military bands and motored vehicles.

The annual Republic Day parade is a spectacle to behold. But how did the nation celebrate its first ever Republic Day in 1950?

A rare archival online video shows Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru waving to the crowd before the parade.

Also Read: The Republic Day Tableau You’ll Never See