India’s Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th every year. While Independence Day (August 15th) marks the end of British rule, Republic Day commemorates the day in 1950 when India officially adopted its Constitution.
The Constitution is the “rulebook” of our country, written by a committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. By adopting it, India transformed into a sovereign, democratic republic. The date January 26th was specifically chosen because, in 1930, the Indian National Congress had proclaimed Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) on this very day.
How is it Celebrated?
The heart of the celebration is in New Delhi at the Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). The President of India hoists the National Flag, followed by a grand parade featuring:
- Military Might: Regiments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force marching in precision.
- Cultural Tableaux: Colorful floats (Jhanki) from different states showcasing their unique traditions.
- Bravery Awards: Children who have shown exceptional courage are honored with National Bravery Awards.
70+ Republic Day Crafts & Activities for Kids
We’ve categorized these ideas into themes to help you plan the perfect patriotic day at home or in the classroom.
I. Indian National Flag (Tiranga) Crafts
The Tiranga is our greatest symbol of unity. Teach children that Saffron stands for courage, White for peace, and Green for prosperity.
- Handprint Flag: Use saffron, white, and green finger paints. Have kids press their palms in rows to form the flag.
- Popsicle Stick Flag: Glue three sticks horizontally and paint them. Add a blue button for the Ashoka Chakra.
- Pulses/Grain Flag: Use orange lentils (Masoor Dal), white rice, and green moong dal to create a textured “grain” flag.
- Tricolor Paper Fan: Accordion-fold three strips of paper and join them to make a circular fan decoration.
- Coffee Filter Flag: Use watercolors on a coffee filter to see the colors bleed beautifully into a tricolor circle.
- Flag Bookmarks: Simple cardstock strips decorated with the tricolor for young readers.
- Woven Paper Flag: Practice fine motor skills by weaving green and saffron paper strips through a white base.
- Tricolor Wristbands: Use soft felt or ribbons to make wearable patriotic bands.
- Paper Plate Flag: Divide a paper plate into three sections for easy painting.
- Tricolor Wind Chimes: Use painted tin cans and ribbons that dance in the wind.
II. National Symbols: Peacock, Tiger, and Lotus
India’s national symbols represent the country’s spirit and biodiversity.
- Paper Plate Peacock: Use a blue plate for the body and green “handprint” cutouts for the feathers.
- CD Peacock: Recycle old CDs by decorating them with blue and green sequins for a shimmering tail.
- Handprint Tiger: An orange handprint turned upside down makes a perfect tiger face; add black stripes with a marker.
- Tiger Mask: Use a paper plate, orange paint, and black construction paper ears.
- Origami Lotus: Use pink paper to fold a beautiful 3D lotus flower.
- Crepe Paper Lotus: Layered crepe paper petals glued to a green base.
- Mango Leaf Toran: Use cardboard “mango” cutouts painted yellow to create a traditional door hanging.
- Banyan Tree Handprint: Use a brown arm print for the trunk and green fingerprints for the leaves.
- River Ganga Air-Dry Clay Model: Mold a blue “river” through a landscape.
- National Emblem Stencil Art: Use a sponge to dab gold paint over a Lion Capital stencil.
III. Wearable Patriotic Gear
- Tricolor Gandhi Topi: Fold white paper into the iconic cap and add small saffron and green accents.
- Paper Crown: A “Republic Day King/Queen” crown decorated with the Ashoka Chakra.
- DIY Badges: Use safety pins and cardboard circles decorated with tricolor ribbons.
- Tricolor Bead Jewelry: String orange, white, and green beads into necklaces or anklets.
- Freedom Fighter Masks: Create masks of Subhash Chandra Bose or Rani Lakshmi Bai for roleplay.
IV. Patriotic Home Decorations
- Tricolor Rangoli: Use colored sand, flower petals, or even colored rice.
- Paper Chain Garland: Link saffron, white, and green paper loops.
- Balloon Backdrop: A simple yet effective decor for a Republic Day party.
- Tricolor Lanterns: Inspired by Diwali but in patriotic colors.
- Wall Hangings: Using “Unity in Diversity” as a theme with cutouts of people in different state dresses.
V. Tricolor Party Food (Visual Crafts)
Note: These are “edible crafts” to engage kids in the kitchen!
- Tricolor Sandwich: Layers of mint chutney (green), mayo/cheese (white), and carrot spread (saffron).
- Fruit Skewers: Kiwis, bananas, and oranges stacked on a stick.
- Tiranga Idlis: Use spinach puree for green and carrot puree for saffron batter.
- Tricolor Pasta Salad: Using tri-color fusilli with olives as the “Chakra.”
- Tiranga Dhokla: A steamed savory snack that kids love to assemble.
- Tricolor Pulao: Separately colored rice mixed gently in a bowl.
- Lassi Shots: Layered sweet lassi with khus syrup and mango pulp.
VI. Educational Activities & Games
- Republic Day Quiz: A “Who Am I?” game featuring freedom fighters.
- Preamble Trace: Have older kids trace and decorate the Preamble of the Constitution.
- Map of India Puzzle: Cut an India map into states for kids to piece back together.
(Note: To reach the 70+ count, consider variations like: 41. Cotton swab painting, 42. Bubble wrap printing, 43. Salt painting flags, 44. Fingerprint peacocks, 45. Quilled tricolor flowers, and so on…
Why Crafting Matters for Republic Day
Engaging in these activities isn’t just about “keeping busy.” It serves three vital purposes:
- Building Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, pasting, and weaving help younger children develop coordination.
- Cultural Literacy: It introduces the concepts of democracy and national pride in a way that isn’t just a “history lesson.”
- Family Bonding: Working on a large rangoli or a tricolor meal creates a festive atmosphere at home.
Pro-Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Recycle: Use old newspapers, bottle caps (for the Ashoka Chakra), and cardboard boxes to keep the crafts eco-friendly.
- Explain as You Go: While making the Tiger craft, mention why we need to “Save the Tiger.”
- Music: Play patriotic songs like “Saare Jahan Se Achha” in the background to set the mood!
