Well if you look back into your old school memories, you’ll find yourself carrying ladoos back to your home and dancing on the tunes of “ye desh hai veer jawano ka..” not only this, there is an unbeaten energy and enthusiasm of holding a flag and waving it in the air.
There were lot of us, who were sitting in front of television in the “Awe” of how great my country is! While watching THE INDIAN PARADE.
Republic Day, we all have lots of memories with it. However, not many people know much about the parades of 26th January. Here, we compile some of the interesting details of the parade.
About Indian Parade
What is parade?
Parades are the ceremonial performance of bands of the defence forces, marching in unison, playing popular marching tunes. These are performed as a tribute to India.
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Why we only have parade on republic day?
After getting independence on 15 august 1947, all the work was done in the name of king/queen of England, till we adopted our own supreme law constitution on 26 January 1950. To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital.
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First Republic Day Parade
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On the first republic day 26th January 1950, owr first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru along with the first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad had initiated the ceremony. In 1950, Major Roberts of the Indian Army started it, the venues for parade between year 1950 and 1955 were Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium), Kingsway (Rajpath), Red Fort and Ramlila grounds, later Rajpath became permanent venue. More than 100 aircraft participated. President of Indonesia Sukarno was the chief guest.
The Parade now
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Now the parades set out from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace) and follows Rajpath past India Gate and on to the Red Fort, it almost covers 5 km long area. Out of many the 33 planes and helicopters have been participating.
The Ritual of 26th January parade
Pre-Rehearsals
Rehearsal for the republic day parade goes on few days before 26th Jan in a fully Dressed way.
The Beginning
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It begins with the Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, a memorial to martyred soldiers, followed by two minutes of silence. The President of India arrives along with the chief guest, escorted by a stance of bodyguards on horses. After that The President unfurls the National flag, the National Anthem is played, and a 21-gun salute is given at 9:00 A.M.
The Awards
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The important bravery awards like the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra and the National Bravery Award are given away by the President.
The Indian Defence Force
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The Indian Army in addition to the Navy, the Air Force, various Para-Military Forces of India and other civil forces with bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. Around nine to twelve different regiments of Indian army participate. The President of India, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute here.
The Camel Mounted Border Security Force contingent; it is the only camel mounted military force in the world. The NCC cadets and school children also participate in the parade. The dare devil motor cycle riding and flypast by armed forces. Indian Air Force jets and helicopters carrying the National Flag and the flags of the three services.
The Tableaux (Jhanki)
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Each Indian state represents aspects of its culture in tableaux, along with music and songs of that particular state.
What’s new and what’s not on this 26 January 2016
This year’s republic day celebration will be more special than the previous years. How?
Camel Mounted Border Security Force
We are going to miss the Camel Mounted Border Security Force contingent as will not take part in the parade this year.
Dog Squad
For the first time, 36 Army dogs will feature in the Republic Day Parade.
Women Daredevils CRPF
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For the first time an all-women contingent of the CRPF will showcase their motorcycle riding skills at the parade.
French soldiers
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A contingent comprising of 130 French soldiers will march down Rajpath along with Indian troops in presence of this year chief guest France’s President Francoise Hollande.
90 Mins Parade
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The duration of the parade is likely to come down to 90 min from the earlier 120 min, shorter by 30 mins.
Where to Get Tickets for the Parade?
We know you cannot be at Delhi this year, but if you want to visit next year the tickets go on sale a couple of weeks prior the event. They are available at different locations in Delhi.
Beating the Retreat Ceremony
The Beating Retreat ceremony is held on the evening of January 29, it symbolizes retreat after a day on the battlefield. It features the Performance of bands of the three wings of the Indian military — the Indian Army,the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.
Now that you have got a pretty good idea about THE REPUBLIC DAY PARADE we hope that you celebrate this great event of this country with a better understanding and a true patriotic feeling. JAI HIND !