The celebrations of Republic Day have always been associated with grand parades, the participation of people from all walks of life, thousands of spectators and a genuinely upbeat atmosphere. However, as Republic Day arrives in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be different this year.
The famous Republic Day Parade Parade will not only be limited to participation and spectator entry at New Delhi’s Rajpath for individuals,
Here’s what will be different this year:
People will see Rafale fighter jets on display this year during the Republic Day Parade for the first time ever. So far, India has earned as many as 11 jets out of the 36 procured from France.
The parade will see the participation of a woman fighter pilot in yet another first. Flight lieutenant Bhawna Kanth will be part of the tableau of the IAF demonstrating light drills.
Bangladesh will become the third foreign nation to participate in India’s Republic Day parade, after France and the UAE. Earlier this month, some 122 soldiers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces arrived in India to participate in the 26th of January celebrations.
Among the many tableaux that will be on display during the Republic Day parade, Ram Temple will appear. The temple will be part of the tableau of Uttar Pradesh.
After the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson decided to cancel his visit to India in view of the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the UK, India will not have a chief guest at the parade this year. It was in 1966 that the Republic Day parade did not have a chief guest.
A maximum of 25,000 spectators will be allowed to attend the parade due to Covid-19 situation in the country. It is a massive cut from the previously allowed 1,50,000 people.