After Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations are over, it is time to celebrate India’s Republic Day on January 26^th. In 2017, India would be celebrating its 68^th Republic Day and it is with great honor that various educational institutes, offices and other Government organizations celebrate the national holiday by arranging various activities.

For a very long time, Republic Day is mostly enjoyed as just another holiday with kids going to school for a parade with a tricolor badge pinned to their uniforms. And for the rest of us, it is time to listen to the speech of the President at Rajpath, New Delhi and watch some patriotic movies or visit our friends and relatives for a get-together. While the older generation is interested in watching the parade in the television and listening to the speech, youngsters are not so pro-active about the celebration.

Unconventional ideas to celebrate the Republic Day this year

Usually on Republic Day flag hoisting ceremonies are conducted in residential societies and schools. Often the school principal or a renowned personality of the society unfurls the flag and the national anthem is sung and children perform various cultural activities to spread the message of national integration. But, here is how you can celebrate the feeling of pride towards your country with the following tips:

1. Hoist the national flag in your area or garden and sing the National Anthem together.
2. You can prepare some tri colored sandwiches or idli and serve as breakfast. This can be an exciting beginning of celebrating the national holiday.
3. You can arrange for some cultural programs where the dress code is wearing tri colored clothes.
4. You can also have a quiz contest based on the nationalistic theme.
5. Nothing can be better than having a picnic with the kids. Take them to a nearby park and sing patriotic songs during the journey.
6. Make arrangements for a local version of bravery awards for kids. Reward them for their courageous gestures that they have shown throughout the year. Your categories may include the Best Team Player, Most Empathetic, Most Helpful.
7. If you are unable to arrange for a picnic, then rent a DVD of a good patriotic film and watch it with the children. Serve hot chocolate as a treat.
8. A visit to any national monument can also be a memorable way to celebrate the day.

So, this Republic day, help everyone to get involved in the celebration and make the national day a memorable one.

Happy Republic Day!