Russian day, also known as the Independence Day is the most significant day for the Russians as it is observed as the Day of adoption of the declaration of state sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) and is also celebrated as the national holiday of the Russian Federation.
Although in official documents, the holiday is not mentioned as the Independence Day of Russia, but because this day if of national significance for all the Russians, some researchers have termed it as the Independence Day of Russia.
On this day 12th June, 32 years ago, a declaration on the state sovereignty of our country was signed and since then, for Russians it is more than just a holiday for each one of us. For some of us, Russia has become a second home, for some, Russia is the Motherland and we are all united by love for this land, culture, language and traditions.
Firstly, Russia is for all of its citizens, Russians are united by bonds of friendship, camaraderie, love for each other and for our motherland. The present and future of the country depends on each of us in particular and on our common efforts, intellectual and creative achievements in making this country a better place in the world with respect to development, technology and discipline.
In the Russian Soviet state, the passage of this Declaration by the First Congress of People's Deputies marked the beginning of constitutional reform. With the adoption of the new Russian Constitution and the formation of the post of the President of the Russian Federation in order to showcase the new political reality, the national flag, anthem, and emblem of the Russian Federation were considered as very important in the consolidation of Russian statehood.
The Soviet Union’s new name the Russian Federation, was adopted in the year 1995 on 25th December. It was only in the year 1992 that the Supreme Soviet of Russia declared June 12, as a national holiday. The date was again announced as Russia's national holiday, in the year 1994 on 2nd June as per presidential ordinance. Again, in the year 1998, on 16th June, the holiday was officially named as "Russia Day" under a subsequent presidential ordinance but it was officially given a seal to this title only in the year 2002 by the new Labour Code. In the year 2019, the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic declared Russia Day a ‘state holiday’ and it is a day for the Russians to express their national pride.
Russians celebrate this day as a very grand ceremony by participating in various processions and activities. In the year, 2020, on this day a flash mob – WE RUSSIA was launched and many Russians participated in it despite the fear of the pandemic. Thus, it can be seen that how important this day is for all Russians. Russians all over the country sing their national anthem, record the performance all over the world and upload it on social websites. It becomes more entertaining as it is celebrated during the summers and from the first day of the season people all around the country start preparations for this great day and participate in various challenges. The country is decorated with lights and symbols of the Nation be it residential or official building.
Throughout the country, people attend various concerts and fireworks that take place in different cities. On this day scientists, prominent Russian writers and humanitarian workers receive State Awards from the President of Russia. Most of the schools and public offices are also closed on 12th June on the occasion of the ‘Russia Day’. In case if the day falls on a weekend, then the public holiday is shifted to the following Monday.
However, for some Russians, it is only considered as a holiday as it commemorates the Soviet Union's dissolution and bring back bitter memories as the dissolution resulted in severe unemployment, high crime and poverty within Russia and other former Soviet republics.
Historical military parades are held at significant places of the country such as red square and soldiers of the Russian army and representatives of various regions, don the national costumes and present the audience with the most significant milestones of the Russian history and its culture.
In the capital, Moscow, there are various concerts of 2 or 3 hours and every city celebrate this occasion differently. In the year 2002, almost 5000 representatives from all around the nation participated in the pageantry from Tverskaya Zastava to Manezh Square. In the year 2003, the highlight of the ‘Day of Russia’ was the air show, which included aerobatic teams "Russian Knights" and "Swifts". Also, MiG planes and Sukhoi left a trail forming the Russian flag. In 2004, a historical military parade was held on this day at Red square and soldiers of the Russian army, its members and representatives of 89 regions dressed in national costumes, presented the audience with the most significant milestone of the Nation’s history. In 2007, in Krasnoyarsk thousands of people in white, blue and red robes formed more than a kilometre long tricolour for the celebrations. In the year 2008, the ‘Russia day” was celebrated for 3 days i.e., from 11th to 14th June.
In the city of Tomsk, a wooden carnival showcased a huge wooden Russian rouble which was one hundred times the size of the coin. In the year 2009, people of Volgograd formed a map of the country covering 127 square meters. Which was highlighted as one the best celebrations in the country. In Sevastopol, youths carrying a 30-meter flag of Russia, passed through the city centre.
In Moscow, in the year 2009 at Revolution square on the occasion of the ‘Russia day’ a two-meter Khokhloma doll was painted and at the Ostankino Tower in Moscow for the very first time, the state flag was displayed.
Hence, it has been witnessed that this day is considered as one of the most important days in the history of Russia by its citizens.
