Yahoo Movies India's military might, cultural splendour on display as nation celebrates its 72nd Republic Day
As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day, the Tricolour was unfurled at Delhi’s Rajpath in presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, including Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday.
The 72nd R-Day parade ended with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hour carrying out a 'Vertical Charlie'. The aircraft was piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Squadron leader Kislaykant.
As many as 32 tableaux went down the Rajpath, along with marching contingents of the armed forces. Amid the coronavirus pandemic and farmers’ tractor rally against the farm laws, Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, however, wore a different look this year. For starters, there was no chief guest this year due to COVID-19.
Bangladeshi Contingent Participates in R Day Parade for the First Time
The parade began with a Bangladeshi tri-service contingent, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohatsim Haider Chaudhary, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The 122-member strong contingent is participating in the parade for the first time. The first six rows of the contingent were from the Army, followed by two rows each of Navy and Air Force.
Republic Day Parade Begins
The 21 Gun Salute has been presented by Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment following the unfurling of the national flag. The tricolour was unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.
The 72nd Republic Day Parade begins led by Commander Lt. Gen. Vijay Kumar Mishra.
Curtailed R-Day parade
The number of people, witnessing the historic parade, has been reduced to 25,000 from 1.25 lakh the year before.
It will be for the first time in over five decades that India does not have a chief guest at the Republic Day Parade
The size of marching contingents has been reduced from 144 to 96
All members who are part of tableaux contingents have undergone COVID-19 testing
Unlike previous years, children will not be receiving bravery awards in person due to physical distancing protocols
The farmers have assured that the tractor rally will be peaceful and will not hinder the parade
President Kovind Leaves from Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
PM Modi Pays Homage to Martyrs at National War Memorial
As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the wreath to pay tribute to martyrs at New Delhi's National War Memorial.
He was seen wearing a special 'Paghdi' from Jamnagar for the occassion that was gifted to the PM by the royal family of Jamnagar.
Additional inputs: The Quint, PTI, ANI
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