Delhi Republic Day Parade - Check Why in Delhi?

Republic Day Parade is the main attraction of the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on 26th January every year. It is the biggest and most versatile parades held in India and witnesses participation from different states of India. India also invites guests from other countries to experience the magic of our Republic Day Parade.

Republic Day Parade is open to the general public, who can buy tickets to the parade and gather at Rajpath. A lot of media persons, international guests, and important Indian dignitaries are also a part of the public. Find out more about the history and significance of this parade below.

Republic Day Parade - Overview

Every year on 26th January, Republic Day Parade is organized in Delhi. This iconic parade includes a procession with tableaus that are representative of each state and union territory in India. The Republic Day Parade is held at Rajpath in New Delhi and the tales of the freedom struggle are recalled to commemorate this national holiday.

The Republic Day Parade in New Delhi starts from Rajpath, moves to India Gate, and ends at the Red Fort. Before the parade starts, the President of India unfurls the national flag with a sentiment of reverence. Here is an overview of the parade

About Republic Day 2022 Parade

The 73rd Republic Day of India was celebrated on 26th January 2022. Republic Day is a day that reminds us of our country's history and how it became a republic. To mark this significant occasion, the Republic Day Parade is organized by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It's a colourful and flashy festival that celebrates India’s military might and rich culture.

Republic Day Parade is an annual phenomenon which sees participation from all Indian states and union territories. Many international guests are also a part of these grand celebrations. Here are some highlights from this year’s Republic Day Parade.

Highlights from Republic Day 2022 Parade

• In 2022, only 5,000 individuals attended the Republic Day Parade celebrations. Only fully vaccinated adults and children over the age of 15 who have received their first vaccination were permitted at the venue.
• There was no foreign contingent this year due to the pandemic.
• Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra led the march, which began with a 21-gun salute after unfurling the tricolour.
• India’s military heads led the contingents in saluting the President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
• Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram, who was slain while combating terrorists in Kashmir, was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime heroism medal, by President Ramnath Kovind. The award was accepted on behalf of the officer by his wife.

Republic Day Parade - Facts

• From 1950 to 1954, the Republic Day Parade was not organised in Rajpath because Republic Day was held at Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort, and Ramleela Maidan. After 1954, Rajpath became the fixed location for the Republic Day celebrations.
• Every year, the Prime Minister, President, or the head of every country is invited to India as a guest. Because of the current Covid-19 problem, no foreign visitors were called to experience the Republic Day Parade 2022.
• The National Flag is saluted by the President's cavalier bodyguards, followed by a firing of 21 cannons along with the singing of the Indian National Anthem.
• There are no guns used in the 21 guns firing. Instead, the Indian army uses seven cannons, which are called QF 25-pounders. These canons are utilised in all the army's formal programmes and they were built in the year 1941.
• The gun salute firing takes place while the National Anthem is being played. At the start of the National Anthem, the first shot is fired, while the last shot gets fired once the national anthem ends, i.e., 52 seconds later.
• The preparations for the Republic Day Parade start in July and all the participants are officially notified that they have to participate in the event. Until August, they will practise parades in their separate locations. They will appear at the celebration in December to perform. The contestants had already put in 600 hours of training before the formal event.
• Every event on 26th January is meticulously planned and executed, as any errors and even the slightest delay tend to cost the organisers dearly. According to sources, the event cost over 320 crores.
• On Republic Day, each group walks 9 kilometres and there are judges who decide the group with the best ensemble and award them as the 'Best Marching Group.'
• Every individual can witness the Republic Day tableau, which moves or runs at a speed of around 5 km/hour. These tableaus' drivers drive by looking out of a little window.

FAQs on Republic Day Parade

Q.1) What is the Republic Day Parade?

Republic Day Parade is an annual parade that takes place on 26th January in India to commemorate the country’s Republic Day. This parade is the main attraction of the Republic Day celebrations. Every year, the Indian military marches in the parade and several tableaus from different Indian states are put on display.

Q.2) Republic Day Parade in New Delhi starts from?

Republic Day Parade in New Delhi starts from Rajpath. The parade gradually moves to India Gate, and finally ends at Red Fort, in Old Delhi. Republic Day Parade is an important tradition of the Republic Day celebrations in India and is attended by thousands of people and guests every year.

Q.3) Who takes the salute on Republic Day at Rajpath?

The President of India takes the salute on Republic Day at Rajpath. This is followed by the commencement of the annual Republic Day parade. The parade is about showcasing India’s military equipment, its diverse culture, and much more.

Q.4) Which Indian forces take part in Republic Day parade?

The Indian forces that take part in the Republic Day Parade include the bands of the three wings of the military, Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force. The soldiers of all these forces march the Republic Day Parade in their uniforms.