Every year on 26th January, India celebrates its Republic Day to commemorate the coming into force of India’s constitution in 1950. As the name suggests, Republic Day marks the establishment of India as a Union of states run by law as enshrined in the constitution. The day is celebrated all across the country with patriotic fervour, pomp and gaiety.
However, the Republic Day parade in New Delhi is the most important event of the celebration where the nation showcases its military might, industrial strength and the rich mosaic of its cultural diversity. The elaborate march begins from the Rashtrapati Bhavan and snakes its way through Rajpath only to end up near the Red Fort.
The day begins with the Prime Minister visiting the final resting places of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Jawaharlal Nehru at Shanti Van, Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijayghat, and Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal and paying floral tributes to them on behalf of the nation. Thereafter, the Prime Minister visits the Amar Jawan Jyoti and pays obeisance to the fallen soldiers.
Once the focus of the nation shifts to the saluting dais on Rajpath, all eyes are fixated on the arrival of the President of India along with the visiting heads of the states. The spectacle of the President’s entourage arriving at the scene on horses is nothing less than spectacular.
At the saluting dais on Rajpath, the President of India confers gallantry awards to the members of the armed forces or to their next of kin (posthumous).
* Showcasing military prowessThe parade begins after unfurling of the national flag by the President accompanied by the rendition of our National anthem. While the National anthem is being played, a 21 gun salute is given to mark the momentous occasion. The Republic Day parade is led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Delhi Area followed by various gallantry award winners (Victoria Cross, PVC, MVC, VC, and Ashok Chakra) saluting the President of India.
* Showcasing India’s demographic dividend and cultural heritageThe Republic Day parade also highlights the pageantry associated with India’s rich culture in the form of traditional dance forms and tableaus. In fact, these are a major hit with the foreign dignitaries and children present at the gallery. During the time, the entire Rajpath resembles a carnival as tableaus roll down the tarmac with music floating in the air. The immaculately designed tableaus by the best artists of the respective states are one of the major highlights of the parade.