A full-dress rehearsal for India's Republic Day parade was held on Wednesday at Rajpath, showcasing the country's military capabilities and cultural performances. The event on Saturday will feature South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest. The parade will begin with the laying of a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year's parade promises to be a grand spectacle with a combination of military bands, tableaux, and performances by school children.
The parade will feature a combination of military bands of the Sikh Light Infantry, Mahar Regiment, and the Ladakh Scouts, playing traditional tunes. For the first time, Shankhnaad, a military tune composed by an Indian classical music exponent based on a poem penned by a Mahar Regiment veteran, will also be played during the parade. The event will also showcase the country's air defence capabilities, including a 'vic' formation of An-32 aircraft, whose lead plane will be flying using a mix of traditional and bio-fuel for the first time.
The parade will feature 22 tableaux of states and central government departments, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. Fifty-eight tribal guests from various parts of the country will also be part of the parade. Additionally, 26 national award-winning children, seated in open jeeps, will form part of the cultural pageant. Three groups of children from Delhi schools and one group of children from the Eastern zone Cultural Centre will also participate in the parade.
The armed cover provided by the CISF to Raj Ghat, the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi, in the national capital will be showcased in the force's tableau, which has been inducted in the Republic Day parade after a gap of 11 years. The CISF's tableau will highlight the force's role in providing security to the national capital. The parade will also feature a host of military aircraft, including helicopters that will precede the parade commander.
Four helicopters will precede the parade commander, with the lead helicopter carrying the national flag and the other three choppers carrying services flags. The echelon aircraft will shower flower petals, adding to the grandeur of the parade. The 90-minute parade will showcase the country's military might and cultural diversity.
The Republic Day parade is a significant event in India's national calendar, marking the country's transition to a republic. The event will be attended by dignitaries from across the world, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The parade will be a showcase of India's military capabilities, cultural performances, and national pride.
The full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade was held on Wednesday, giving a glimpse into the grand spectacle that awaits on Saturday. With a combination of military bands, tableaux, and performances by school children, the parade promises to be an event to remember. The event will begin with the laying of a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key points
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade.
- The parade to feature a combination of military bands, tableaux, and performances by school children.
- The event to showcase India's military capabilities, including a 'vic' formation of An-32 aircraft.
