In India Republic Day Parade is organized on the event of Republic Day on 26th January every year. It was on this day in 1950 that the Constitution of India came into effect. The Republic Day parade is a celebratory event each and every aspect of which is widely covered by the media. The parade takes place in the morning and takes around two hours to conclude.
All events are broadcasted live throughout the country until the conclusion of the parade. The proceedings of the parade are also viewed with a patriotic zeal by the Indian Diaspora spread across the world.
Republic Day Parade 2023 Highlights
The Republic day parade for the year 2023 is different in many ways; there is some major changes in this year’s Republic Day celebration. I will make you updated about the highlights of 2023 Republic day parade:
- We will celebrate 74th Republic Day on 26th January 2023.
- President of Egypt “Abdel Fattah al-Sisi” would be the chief guest of our Republic day parade, it is for the first time India will welcome the Arab Republic of Egypt’s President as the Chief Guest.
Republic Day Parade – Route and Essential Information
The Republic Day parades take place at the Rajpath in New Delhi. The route taken by the parade spans five kilometers – from Raisina Hills near President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), through India Gate, and up to the Red Fort.
Before you purchase tickets for Republic Day Parade it’s essential that you go through some essential conditions mandated by the government –
- You are expected to arrive on time and leave only when the President, Vice President, and the Prime Minister have departed.
- Children below the age of 10 are allowed to seat separately on Dari (carpet), and under no circumstances, adults too share the carpet.
- It is not allowed to carry bags, suitcases, cameras, tape recorders, water bottles, knives, cigarettes, etc to the venue.
- It is advised to carry any valid ID cards to establish identity whenever needed.
- Though the reserved seats are placed closer to the main stage, whereas the unreserved seat is occupied on a first-come-first-served basis.
Republic Day Parade 2023 Tickets and Passes
You can buy tickets from any of the ticket outlets opened by the government, especially for the purpose. There is no option of any online sale of tickets neither for the Republic Day parade nor for the Beating Retreat Ceremony. You must carry a valid ID card (Aadhar, PAN, etc) with you, to buy the tickets from any of the authorized outlets.
The denominations of the tickets for the Republic Day Parade are Rs 500, Rs 100, Rs 20, and for and Beating Retreat Ceremony are Rs 50, Rs 20 respectively. The tickets with price Rs. 500 are only for the reserved seats, and the tickets of other prices are for all unreserved seats.
The Republic Day Parade tickets will be available at 8 ticket sales counter mentioned below:
- Pragati Maidan (Gate Number 1)
- Jantar Mantar (Main Gate)
- India Gate Hexagon (Near Jamnagar House)
- Red Fort (Inside 15th August Park and opposite Jain temple)
- Shastri Bhawan (Near Gate No 3)
- North Block Round About
- Sena Bhawan (Gate No 2)
- Parliament House – only for the Members of Parliament
Republic Day tickets are on sale at all the above counters from 7th January 2023 to 25th January 2023 in forenoon 10:00 Hrs to 12:30 Hrs and from 14:00 Hrs to 16:30 Hrs.
The tickets for the Beating Retreat ceremony are on sale from 27th to 28th January 2020 in two-time slots – Forenoon 10:00 Hrs to 12:30 Hrs and afternoon from 14:00 Hrs to 15:00 Hrs.
Some more useful information about the Ticket Counters are given below-
- The ticket counter at Sena Bhawan will be opened until 19:00 Hrs from 23rd January to 25th January.
- All the ticket counters are open only in the afternoon on January 23rd due to the full dress rehearsal.
- No ticket counters are open neither any tickets are sold on Republic Day.
- On 28th January at 15:00 Hrs all the ticket counters are closed due to the rehearsal of the Beating Retreat ceremony.
How to Reach the Republic Day Venue
India Gate is at walking distance from the metro stations Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Janpath. The walk is like a comfortable stride on a wide footpath alongside a wide road lined with plush residents of senior administrators. However, it is advised that you check beforehand for any changes made in the running status of metro trains for security reasons. It is possible that the services on a few routes may be suspended temporarily. Also, the security check is very rigorous so it is advisable to not carry excess baggage and banned items, else you will be denied entrance to the venue.
Information about Republic Day Parade
In the morning the Prime Minister of India accompanied by the Chiefs of all three forces of the Indian military – Army, Air Force, and Navy, visits India Gate and pays floral wreath to the fallen war soldiers. A silence of two minutes is also observed by all present in the honor of the martyrs.
After honoring the fallen war soldiers, the Prime Minister heads to the stage at Rajpath, Delhi from where he along with other VIPs will watch the proceedings of the parade. Usually, the Defence Minister of India along with the three chiefs of Armed Forces receives the Prime Minister. Soon after the Prime Minister, the First Lady of India arrives and is received by the Prime Minister, followed by the Hon’ble President and the Chief Guest.
The President then unfurls the National Flag which is immediately followed by the 21 gun salute carried out by the artillery division of the Indian Army. Everyone present, not only on the dais but also the members of the common public stands up in the honor of National Flag and sing National Anthem.
The President then presents the gallantry awards to the members of the armed forces or their relatives in case the medal is being awarded posthumously. Thereafter begins the parade with the contingents of Indian Military forces and Paramilitary forces displaying their manual strength and attack-defense machinery like tanks, artillery guns, helicopters, radars and communication systems, etc. The display of forces infuses confidence in the Indian masses that the safety of the nation is secure in the hands of our capable and efficient defense forces.
The display of strength by the forces is followed by the parade organized by the school children from different corners of the country. At last, there is a procession of various interesting tableau by the different states of India.
Republic Day Parade in Other Indian Cities
It is not possible for everyone to travel to New Delhi and be physically present to witness the gala proceedings of the Republic Day parade. Don’t get disheartened, as you can always watch the live streaming of the events on Doordarshan or on several other channels.
But if you still feel like being a part of the celebrations and watch a real parade and march past by forces, you can head to your State’s capital city. A parade is organized in every state capital in which the contingents of police and other armed forces deployed in the state take part. The Governor of the state or the Chief Minister usually takes the salute.
Many schools and colleges also participate in the Republic Day parade with children arranging march-past and playing bands in front of eager audiences.
Such parades are also organized in every city of the country in places like district headquarter and police ground. Senior administrative and police officers of the district take the salute.
Significance of the Republic Day Parade
The Republic Day of India is a significant National event that is observed throughout the country in all the states and UTs with patriotism and nationalistic zeal. It reminds the people of India that they are free and are masters of their own destiny. Together we, have to pave the path of the nation’s progress to growth and prosperity.
The day marks the commemoration of the Constitution of India, which is the supreme law governing the nation. It was on the same date (26th January) in 1950 that the people of India got their own Constitution superseding the Government of India Act 1935. Since that day, India became an independent and self-governed Dominion. It also reminds us of the privileges that have been provided to us by the Constitution. We must value our constitution and always abide by its words and spirit.
The Republic Day Parade signifies the freedom and strength of the nation. The tableaux of different states and Union Territories display the religious and cultural vibrancy of India, also asserting the fact that people of different religions, cultures, and linguistic lining, live in peace and harmony.
The display of military capabilities and might of India’s Defence Forces – Army, Air Force, and Navy, sends a message to the masses that the nation is safe in the hands of our capable and technically advanced forces.
Also, the parade by other para-military forces and security establishment infuses confidence in the masses of the nation, regarding their safety and well being. Republic Day parade also serves as a warning for anyone who has plans for disrupting the unity and integrity of India.
Republic Day Parade 2021 Images
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the brave martyrs at National War Memorial by placing a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted President Ram Nath Kovind on his arrival at Rajpath.
The Prime Minister introduced the President with the three army heads and other dignitaries.
The Flag hoisting has been followed by our National anthem.
President Ram Nath Kovind salutes the National Flag after it is hoisted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi salutes the National Flag.
Different dignitaries saluted the national Flag including our President and Prime Minister.
The main battle Tank T-90 (BHISMA) with several fighting capabilities is the presentation of the military power of India.
The Brahmos Weapon System presented in the tableau of the parade.
The Fighter Pilot Bhavana Kanth the first woman to be a part of the Indian Air force Tableau in the parade.
The Fighter Jet Tejas showcased in the Indian Air force Tableau.
Different contingents in the parade on the Rajpath marched towards India Gate from various angles.
The tableau of the Indian Navy as “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” and the front side of it depicting the 1971 attack on the port of Karachi.
Indian Air force Tableau with the theme of “Touch the Sky with Glory” featuring.
DRDO Tableau presenting the different models of “Anti-Tank Guided Missiles” in the parade.
The first indigenous Fighter aircraft of the Indian navy designed with various features and the capability of landing and taking off in various conditions.
The tableau of Union territory Ladakh for the first time represented in the parade with a theme “Vision of the Future”.
The tableau of Gujarat exhibiting the Sun Temple in Modhera built in the 11th century.
The tableau of Assam depicting the different varieties of tea leaves crop grown there and contribute to the economy of the nation.
The tableau of Tamil Nadu exhibiting the world heritage sites like Shore Temples and other structures built in the Pallav dynasty.
The tableau of Maharashtra featured the Saints and Bhakti movement.
The tableau of Uttarakhand exhibited the Kedarkhand as the holy land of spirituality.
The beautiful tableau of Chhattisgarh incorporated musical instruments and wonderful music of folk songs.
The tableau of Punjab is dedicated to Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur 16th Guru of Sikhs.
The tableau of Tripura exhibited the rich tribal tradition with the theme of Eco-friendly and Aatma-Nirbhar Tripura.
The tableau from West Bengal depicted the bicycle as Wheels of change in education and getting a cleaner environment.
The tableau of Sikkim exhibited the commemoration of the “Pang Lhabsol Festival”.
The beautiful tableau of Uttar Pradesh presented the Ram Mandir the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and the national integrity.
The tableau of Delhi with a theme of “Shahjahanabad – Redevelopment of Chandni Chowk” features.
The tableau of Karnataka displayed the past by the city of victory Vijaynagar.
The tableau of Kerala presented the “Choir of Kerala” and its rich culture.
The tableau of Andhra Pradesh depicted the architecture Lepakshi temple and a glimpse of the Vijaynagar kingdom.
The tableau of Arunachal Pradesh exhibiting the theme of “East meets West”.
The tableau of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology highlighted the concept of Digitalization and self-reliant India.
The tableau of the Ministry of Labor and Employment exhibited the importance of laborers and the safety of employees.
The tableau of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities exhibits the value of sign language and communication.
The tableau of the Ministry of Ayush displayed natural herbs and the importance of Ayurveda for a healthy and fit body.
The tableau of the Central Reserve Police force with the statue of Iron man Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel exhibited the force with humane sensitivity.
The tableau of the Department of Biotechnology featured the bravery of corona warriors during the pandemic Covid-19.
The tableau exhibited the Indian coastal forces and their bravery.
The tableau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presented the importance of communication towards the formation of new India.
The tableau of Border Road Organization exhibited the immense labor of these forces in connecting people from inaccessible areas.
The tableau of the Central Public Works Department dedicated to the brave Martyrs of India.
The tableau of the Ministry of Culture presented with a theme of the forthcoming 75th year of Independence of India.