India celebrates her 72nd Republic Day in 2021. A national holiday celebrated with full fervour and cheer, Republic Day celebrations hold a lot of importance for independent India's spirit. While it was on the 15th August 1947 that our country achieved independence from the British rule, the Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, which was when India was declared a sovereign republic. Read Also Happy Republic Day 2021: Best Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your family and friends on Republic Day of India Historically, January 26 is also an important date in India's freedom struggle. It was on this day in the year 1930 that the Indian National Congress denounced colonial rule and welcomed the resolution of 'Purna Swaraj', or complete freedom. On this day, Jawahar Lal Nehru also hoisted the Indian flag on the banks of the river Raavi.