On Rajpath today, India showcased its military might and cultural diversity, as it celebrates its 73rd Republic Day. Apart from cultural performance d s by more than 480 dancers from across the country, and as many as 21 tableaux, the parade also featured a grand 75 aircraft fly past by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The government stated “the Republic Day celebrations will now be celebrated for a week – between January 23 and 30 – every year. The celebrations now start on January 23, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and end on January 30 – observed as Martyrs’ Day.
Only double vaccinated adults/one dose vaccinated children of 15 years and above will be allowed entry at the parade. Children below 15 years of age will not be permitted,” an official statement reads.
PM Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial on Wednesday morning, where he paid homage to the armed forces personnel who were killed in action. He was received by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three defense forces.
The celebrations this year are special as India is in the 75th year of Independence – being celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. But strict guidelines have been imposed for those attending. Those attending must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and children below 15 years of age will not be allowed to attend the function.
Visitors were instructed to carry proof of vaccination and must adhere to all Covid-protocols, such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distance. Special arrangements have been made keeping in view the current COVID-19 situation.To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Defense has conceptualized a series of new events during the parade on Rajpath.
The main parade has launched ‘Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman’ programme by the National Cadet and a display of ten scrolls each of 75 meters prepared during the ‘Kala Kumbh’ event and installation of 10 large LED screens for a better viewing experience of spectators.
