India on Wednesday celebrated its 73rd Republic Day. The annual parade at Delhi’s Rajpath showcased its military might and cultural pageantry.
Also, a flypast by 75 aircraft and helicopters remained the highlight of this year’s parade.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on this occasion.
This year’s celebrations however remain low-key due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also, this year is significant because it is the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
It is being observed as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ across India.
The National Cadet Corps’ ‘Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman’ programme will also be launched in this year’s celebration.
Some 480 dancers selected through a nationwide dance competition also performed in the parade.
As per the Covid guidelines, only double-vaccinated adults and single-dose vaccinated children of 15 and above were allowed to attend the parade at Rajpath.
Due to the pandemic, there will be no foreign contingent this year.
The parade began at 10:30 am at Rajpath. Ahead of the event, PM Modi paid tribute to India’s martyred soldiers at the National War Memorial.
The parade, led by Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, began after hoisting the tricolour with a 21-gun salute.
The winners of India’s highest gallantry awards, Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, led the contingents in saluting the President, the Supreme Commander of armed forces.
President Ramnath Kovind also posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award, to Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir. The officer’s wife received the award on his behalf.
People can register on the MyGov portal to watch the live event online.
They will also be able to vote for the best marching contingent and tableau in the popular choice category.
