The Republic Day of India is a national holiday of India to mark the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950. That’s today. This is not to be confused with the Independence Day on August 15th.

Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, the Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950. During the transition period from 1947 to 1950, King George VI was the head of state. Lord Mountbatten and C. Rajagopalachari served as the Governors-General of India during this period. Following January 26, 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first president of India.

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