Every year, on January 26, India celebrates Republic Day. On this day, Indians at home and abroad mark the day with events galore. Parades showcasing the military might and cultural diversity of our country are held, and families go to witness the celebrations at Rajpath.

Why Republic Day is important for children

Republic Day is also an occasion to pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country's freedom,  commemorate the coming into effect of our Constitution, and also a time to honor the bravery of individuals with awards such as the Gallantry Awards and National Bravery Awards for children.

Simple ways to nurture patriotism in young minds

This Republic Day, we bring you activities that ring in the patriotic spirit. After all, they are the citizens of tomorrow who will play an active part in the democratic system.

Republic Day activities for kids

How families usually celebrate Republic Day

Since it is a national holiday, families make special plans such as cooking delicious recipes, going on a picnic, assembling at the local ground to witness the Republic Day parade, and having lots of fun. For kids, the day means a break from studies, a day when they can play to their heart's content and gorge on delicacies.

Fun and meaningful Republic Day activities that children will enjoy

This year, they can try something different and instead, get busy trying out an array of Republic Day activities.

Draw the Indian national flag

This activity is simple and enjoyable. The National Flag of India consists of a horizontal tricolor having a saffron band at the top, a white band in the middle, and a dark green band at the bottom. At the center of the flag is a wheel with 24 spokes, navy blue in color. Kids can follow simple steps to draw the Indian flag:

1. Start by drawing a rectangle.
2. Divide it into three equal horizontal sections.
3. Color the top section with saffron.
4. Color the bottom section with dark green.
5. Draw a navy blue circle at the center of the middle section, which is in white.
6. Now, divide the circle into four equal sections.
7. Draw 5 navy blue spokes between every section. There should be a total of 24 spokes.

Talk to your child

• “Do you know why our flag has three colours? What do you think each colour stands for?”

• “How does it make you feel when you see the Indian flag flying high?”

• “Where have you seen the flag before? At school, on TV, or somewhere else?”

Parent tip: You don’t need to explain everything perfectly. Let your child share their thoughts first, then add simple facts.

Make tricolour (tiranga) food together

What better occasion to treat yourself to Republic Day-themed food? From tricolor drinks to tricolor pasta, make this day extra special by infusing patriotic colors into your food. Kids can enjoy the following tricolor sandwich recipe, which is not only tasty but easy to make.

Tricolour sandwich recipe for kids 

Ingredients:

• 3 bread slices (white preferably)
• 1 tsp green chutney
• A few lettuce leaves
• 1 cheese slice
• tsp pepper, crushed
• 1 tsp mayonnaise (eggless, depending on choice)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Take the bread slices and cut the sides. Grind the sides to prepare breadcrumbs.
2. Apply green chutney on one bread slice. Layer it with lettuce leaves for a green layer.
3. Next, put in the cheese slice and crushed pepper.
4. Place another slice of bread to represent the white layer.
5. Spread mayonnaise generously.
6. Next, spread the grated carrot for the orange layer.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Place the third slice of bread and press gently.
9. Cut the sandwich in half to form triangles.
10. Your tricolor sandwich is ready

Talk to your child (while making or eating the sandwich)

• “Why do you think we made the sandwich in three colours today?”

• “Republic Day is about celebrating our country. What do you love most about India?”

• “How can we show love for our country in small, everyday ways?”

Parent tip: Food conversations are great for relaxed bonding. Keep it light and joyful.

Craft India’s national bird with a paper plate peacock

Republic Day is a wonderful time to introduce your kid to the national bird of India, the peacock. A paper plate peacock is not only fun to make but looks attractive, too. All you require is a paper plate and some decorative materials, and you are good to go!

What you need:

• 1 paper plate
• 1 cupcake liner
• Scissors
• Glue
• Different colors
• A pencil to draw the template

How to make:

1. Begin by drawing the template for the peacock on the paper plate
2. Color the tail of the peacock green, and color the body blue
3. Cut the cupcake liner into eighths (ensure to color it yellow beforehand so it has time to dry).
4. Draw a blue spot on each of the cupcake liners (you can use your finger).
5. Start gluing the cupcake liners on the edge of the peacock's tail.
6. Fold the body part towards the tail part.
7. Draw or glue on the beak and eyes.
8. Your peacock is ready.

Talk to your child

• “Did you know the peacock is our national bird? What do you like most about it?”

• “Why do you think countries choose national animals or birds?”

• “If you could choose a symbol for yourself, what would it be and why?”

Parent tip: Encourage imagination. There are no right or wrong answers here.

Learn about India’s national symbols and currency

Now that your kid knows the national bird of India, how about the others? Take, for example, the national symbols and currency of India. Collect pictures of national symbols such as the Tiger, the Lotus, the Mango, the Indian banyan, and paste them in a white book on the left side. On the right side, mix the correct descriptions and let your child guess the correct answers.

Talk to your child

• “Why do you think these symbols are important for our country?”

• “What do these symbols tell us about India and its values?”

• “Which symbol do you like the most, and what do you remember about it?”

Parent tip: Keep explanations short and let curiosity lead the conversation.

Learning through play on Republic Day

These Republic Day activities and crafts are not only fun but informative. Children will learn and be engaged at the same time. Happy Republic Day!

Last updated on: January 20, 2026