The main difference between Independence Day and Republic Day is that the independence day refers to the day a country has gained independence from the colonial rule or freed from the rule of another nation while the republic day refers to the day a country has become a republic. A republic refers to the form of government where the supreme power is held by its own people to elect their desired representatives as the leaders to rule the country.
These two days are public holidays in a country. Citizens of a country commemorate the independence movement, and the historical struggles underwent to obtain the present sovereign status of the particular country on these days. It is also noteworthy that though these two days share a common ground for celebrating the sovereign status of a country, there are differences in their meanings.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Republic Day
– Definition, Significance, Celebration
2. What is Independence Day
– Definition, Significance, Celebration
3. Difference Between Independence Day and Republic Day
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Celebrations, Independence, Republic, Independence Day, Republic Day
What is Independence Day
Independence refers to the day celebrating the anniversary of national independence, i.e., gaining the international recognition of being free from the control of another nation. In other words, this highlights the historic day when countries which were once colonies gained their sole rule or the independence from the other colonizer country that ruled it. Therefore, this is declared a public and a national holiday in a country.
This day is dedicated to commemorating the national movements and national struggles initiated to attain the independence of the country. This day reminds its citizens of the bravery and grit of freedom fighters who fought valiantly and gave their lives for the cause of the national freedom. It is on this day a country has gained its recognition of being an independent, autonomous state in the world. This day is usually celebrated with parades, oratory, and toasting in ceremonies, highlighting the independent struggles, showcasing birth of the newly independent nation and invoking the patriotic sentiments in the citizens.
Figure 01: Independence Day Celebrations in America
Similarly, not all countries in the world celebrate this day since not all countries were colonized or under foreign rule in the history. Moreover, this day differs according to the country. For example, some dates of the independence days in several countries are as follows
United States of America – July 4th (1776 from the British Empire)
India – August 15th (1947 from the British Empire)
Sri Lankan- February 4th (1948 from the British Empire)
The Philippines – June 12 (1946 from the USA)
Vietnam – September 2 (1945 from French rule)
What is Republic Day?
Republic day basically refers to the day when a country has adopted its government form of being a republic. This happens when the constitution of the particular nation adopts the political status of being a republic, thus declaring the nation as a Republic, indicating the day when a country’s constitution comes into force. Therefore, in a way, this confirms the legal status of a country with a well-defined government system.
A republic refers to the form of government where the supreme power is held by its people to elect their desired representatives as the leaders to rule the country. Therefore, this day honours the citizens of the particular country for their contribution to declaring it a republic. Moreover, this day highlights the contributions of the republic to the nation and also pays tribute to the services provided by the government in maintaining the nation.
Similarly, the Independence Day and the republic day can either be on the same day or different days in a country. For example, India got its independence on August 15, 1947, but it adopted the republican form government on 26 January 1951. Thus, while India’s Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Empire, its Republic Day celebrates the adaptation and the enforcement of its constitution.
Figure 02: Republic Day Parade in Italy
Moreover, not all countries have both these days since some countries only celebrate one day of these two days. Out of the countries that celebrate this republic day, some count this day as a national holiday while the others count this as a normal working day. Furthermore, several countries also use other names such as National Day or Proclamation Day etc. to signify this day.
Difference Between Independence Day and Republic Day
Definition
Independence Day refers to the day celebrating the anniversary of national independence while republic day refers to the day celebrating the foundation of a republic in a country.
Celebration
Independence day is a day that celebrates and pays homage to those (Martyrs, soldiers etc.) who have sacrificed their time, efforts and lives on behalf of the nation. Hence this day values the independence struggles that helped to gained freedom. On the other hand, republic day celebrates the adaptation of the republic constitution by a country and honours the citizens who hold the power of a republican nation.
Festivities
Independence day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, performances highlighting the national struggles, national unity and culture, dances, etc. The republic day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces.
Date
Independence day is the date when the country gained independence while republic day is the date when a country was declared a republic by its constitution. Therefore, not all countries have both these days in their history.
Conclusion
Even though both these are national days, Independence day and Republic day seem similar with regard to their celebrating ways etc. These two days commemorate two different events in the history of a country. Most countries declare these days as public holidays. The difference between Independence Day and Republic Day is that Independence Day is the day a country has gained independence while republic day is the day a country has adopted the constitutional form of becoming a republic
Reference:
1.“ Republic Day.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 June 2018, Available here.
2. Hill, Megan. “Big, Bold and Patriotic, Independence Day Is the Largest Holiday in America, but Do You Know Its History?” The Sun, 4 July 2017, Available here.
3. Waldstreicher, David L. “Independence Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 23 Oct. 2017, Available here.
4. “Republic Day in India.” Timeanddate.com, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Independence Day” by The U.S. Army (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Republic Day parade 2015 (Italy) 68” By Nicholas Gemini – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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