New Delhi:
President Draupadi Murmu will hoist the flag on the path of duty on the 76th Republic Day of India. Along with this, the tradition of 21 gun salute will also be completed. Let us tell you that this year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be present as the chief guest and will witness the display of India’s development and power. But do you know why a 21-gun salute is given during this time and are only 21 guns actually used for this? If not, then let us tell you what it actually means to give a 21-gun salute.

The first 21 gun salute was given on 26 January 1950.

Let us tell you that the Constitution of the country came into force on 26 January 1950 and that is why Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January. On this day, a 21-gun salute was also given for the first time. In fact, Dr. Rajendra Prasad had taken the oath of President on the same day in the Durbar Hall of the old Parliament House and after that he reached Irwin Stadium (today’s Major Dhyan Chand Stadium). Here he had hoisted the flag on the first Republic Day. Along with this, a 21-gun salute was also given.

Why is a 21 gun salute given?

It is told in the book India After Gandhi that the country’s first President Rajendra Prasad hoisted the flag on 26 January 1950. After this, a 21-gun salute was given in three rounds. According to the information, the 21 gun salute is completed in 52 seconds because the national anthem is also completed in 52 seconds. The national anthem begins with the hoisting of the flag and a 21-gun salute is given in the background.

21 gun salute is given on these occasions also

In fact, the 21-gun salute is considered the country’s highest honor. This 21-gun salute is given on Republic Day, Independence Day celebrations and in honor of any foreign head of state. This process is considered very respectable. Since 1971, it is seen as the highest honor. Along with this, a 21-gun salute is also given on the swearing-in of the President.

so many guns are used

Actually, only seven cannons are used to give the 21-gun salute. Yes, you may be surprised to know this, but the 21-gun salute is given by only seven guns and apart from this, there is another cannon, which is in the opposite direction. That means a total of eight cannons are present. Seven of these cannons are used to give salute.