Republic day in India is celebrated on January 26 every year since 1950. This day, India observes the making of the constitution through a grand parade ceremony organized at Rajpath, New Delhi every year. The event marks flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces, among others. In this article, we have listed top ten interesting facts about the Republic Day parade of India.
- Between 1950-1954, the Republic Day parade was not held at Rajpath. In this period, the 26th January parade was organized at Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium), Kingsway, Red Fort, and Ramleela Maidan respectively.
- In 1995, Rajpath, also known as ‘Kingsway’, became the permanent venue for the parade of Republic Day.
- On 26th January, all the participants get ready by 2 AM to arrive at the Rajpath by 3 AM. However, the preparation of the event begins in July every year, once the participants are formally informed. Before the final event on 26th January, the participants practice for nearly 600 hours.
- The rehearsal for the parade of 26th January is done on a 12 km stretch, but on the final day of the event, the distance is reduced to 9 km only. The participants are judged over 200 parameters and the judges are seated all through the way of the parade. Based on their judgment, the “best marching group” title is awarded.
- Every army personnel who participates in the parade has to pass through four levels of security check to ensure that their arms are not loaded with live bullets.
- The Republic Day tableaux of different states and ministries move with a speed of about 5 km/hr, so that the audience can watch them thoroughly.
- On every Republic Day, the song “Abide with me” is played as it was the favorite song of Mahatma Gandhi.
- As per RTI, nearly 320 crore expenditure incurred in the parade held in 2014 and in 2001, it was about 145 crores.
- The personnel of Special Security Forces participating in the parade, march with Tavor rifles made in Israel, whereas the army personnel march with indigenously made INSAS rifles at the parade.
- The most thrilling part of the parade is the “flypast” that involves the participation of 41 aircrafts. Its responsibility lies with the Western Airforce Command. During the event, the aircraft take off from different centers to reach the Rajpath at a fixed time.
