The inaugural parade was held in 1950. Over the years, Republic Day Parade has grown to become the main attraction of the country’s Republic Day celebrations. The parade aims to showcase India’s defense capability, as well as social and cultural heritage.
The parade itself is preceded by the public wreath laying ceremony at Amar Jawan Jyoti (the flame of the immortal soldier) under the India Gate. Amar Jawan Jyoti serves as India’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the monument was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi in 1979. The country’s Prime Minister and Chiefs of Armed Forces place floral wreaths at the monument, which is followed to two minutes silence to honor the memory of unknown soldiers who died fighting for their country’s freedom and sovereignty.
Then the President of India unfurls the national flag as the national anthem is played, which is followed by a 21-gun salute. Next, the President gives away important military decorations such as the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra.
When the ceremony is over, the parade begins. Delhi Republic Day Parade is a truly spectacular event. It is opened by 9 to 12 regiments of the Indian Armed Forces with their marching bands. All participants are dressed in full uniform and wear their decorations. The President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces takes the salute.
Alongside military regiments, the parade features paramilitary forces, civil forces, the National Cadet Corps cadets, children who’ve received the National Bravery Award, and over a thousand school children from various Delhi schools. One of the parade’s highlights is the unique Border Security Force Camel Contingent, which is the world’s only camel mounted military force.
Lavishly decorated floats constitute the most colorful part of the grand parade. Each float exhibits the culture of a particular state or union territory of India. The parade typically features 22 to 30 floats. Each display is accompanied by the music and songs of the state it represents. The idea behind the floats is to emphasize the richness and diversity of the culture of India.
Delhi Republic Day Parade traditionally concludes with military vehicles, motorcyclists and a flypast by the Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the national flag and the flags of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. With all its units, India’s Republic Day Parade is arguably the world’s most spectacular regular military parade.
Photo by Sreenivasan Ramakrishnan
