India celebrates its 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday across the country by following COVID-appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance as the virus keeps making comebacks with new mutations.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, January 25 said the country has shown unmatched resolve in the face of the extraordinary challenge posed to humankind by the coronavirus pandemic, and asserted that a strong and sensitive India is now emerging.
Here are the live update:
Over 480 dancers from 15 states add splendour at Rajpath through their performance
As many as 485 dancers of various genres from 15 states came together to add splendour to Republic Day celebrations here at the Rajpath here on Wednesday.
The artistes performed four segments that include Classical, Folk/Tribal, Contemporary which culminated in the Grand Finale. The huge props, masks, puppets and fabric added to the splendour of the symphony.
The musical representation of India showcased its unity and diversity and portrayed how traditional meets modern, folk meets contemporary, popular meets unexplored in a melting pot of styles and rhythms.
The performers, for the first time, were chosen based on an all India level competition Vande Bharatam-Nritya Utsav organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture.
National
PM Modi wears Uttarakhand cap, Manipur stole this Republic Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ditched his traditional turban look on Republic Day this year and wore a traditional cap from Uttarakhand with an image of the brahmakamal, the state flower, and sported a stole from Manipur.
Both Manipur and Uttarakhand are headed for polls next month.
National
Ministry of Education and Skill Development tableau showcases key aspects of the new National Education Policy
The tableau of the Ministry of Education and Skill Development showcased key aspects of the new National Education Policy (NEP) through the theme "Vedas to Metaverse" during the 73rd Republic Day parade.
The front portion of the tableau depicted the rich tradition and glorious past of the country in the area of education since ancient times starting from the Vedas followed by the Gurukul education system, then the universities like Nalanda where thousands of students used to come from all over the world.
The first part of the rear portion shows a glowing brain like "bulb" symbolising innovation and creativity aspects. Procession of students of different age groups depicted skill development, joyful learning, emphasising latest technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality.
Image of educationists and scientists from ancient times to modern age could be seen on both sides of the tableau.
National
Jammu and Kashmir depicts the changing face of the Union Territory in its tableau at the Republic Day Parade
The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday depicted the changing face of the Union Territory in terms of the development scenario.
The front portion of the tableau showcased the world famous Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan located at Katra in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu Division. The rear portion depicted the Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, AIIMS and International Airport being established.
Highlight of tableau was the recently constructed Banihal Qazigund highway tunnel which was thrown open to the traffic last year. It is one of the longest tunnels in India, with a length of 8.45 km.
National
Uttarakhand showcases connectivity projects and religious sites in its tableau at the Republic Day parade
Uttarakhand showcased connectivity projects and religious sites in its tableau at the Republic Day parade here on Wednesday.
The front portion of the tableau showed Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh shrines.
The tableau also displayed the Dobra-Chanti Bridge. The 440-metre long suspension bridge is the connecting link between Tehri Garhwal district headquarters and Pratap Nagar. Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and the fourth highest dam in the world. It was shown in the middle part of tableau, while the Badrinath temple was displayed on the end part of the tableau.
The Badrinath temple is one of the four sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Lok Adalat tableau debuts at Rajpath
In a first, a tableau depicting Lok Adalat took part in the Republic Day parade on Rajpath here on Wednesday.
The theme of the float by National Legal Services Authority was "Ek Mutthi Aasman (Inclusive Legal System): Lok Adalat".
The front part of the tableau showcased 'Nyay Sbke Liye', a hand gesture of fearlessness, guarantee and protection.
On the rear of the float, a hand could be seen opening its five fingers one by one, depicting five guiding principles of Lok Adalats -- accessible, definitive, affordable, equitable, and timely justice for all.
National
Swachhagrah, frontline, construction workers, auto drivers among special guests
Swachhagrah, frontline workers, auto rickshaw drivers, construction workers and labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus were among special guests invited this year to the Republic Day parade.
The number of people allowed to attend the parade was curtailed to approximately 5,000-8,000 due to the COVID-19 situation, with seats reserved for construction workers, frontline health workers and others.
Among special guests were those who made exemplary contribution towards the society during the time of Covid like the auto rickshaw drivers who help one commute every day, construction workers of Republic Day arena who help enjoy the serenity at Rajpath and also the labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus to make the Republic day parade a grand event.
Hundread "safaimitras" of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) were among the special invitees to watch Republic Day Parade at Rajpath. -PTI
Karnataka
Rich folk art, handicraft shine in Karnataka's Republic Day tableau
From skillfully made pots, carefully sculpted sandalwood miniatures to hand-woven sarees, Karnataka's rich tradition of handicraft was on grand display at the Republic Day parade here on Wednesday. A massive Asiatic elephant sculpted out of Mysuru rosewood with ivory inlay carvings, eye-catching Bidriware, bronze statues and lacquerware toys from Channapatna were the highlight of the tableau which was based on the theme -- 'Karnataka: The Cradle of Traditional Handicrafts'. The tableau also featured Kamaladevi Chhatopadhyay, the acclaimed freedom fighter from Karnataka, who is also hailed as the 'mother of traditional handicrafts in India' -PTI
National
Grandest flypast witnessed at Republic Day parade
The Republic Day parade at the Rajpath this year saw the "grandest and largest" flypast ever with the participation of 75 aircraft to mark the 'Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav' celebrations.
The flypast concluded with 17 Jaguar fighter aircraft flying in the 'Amrit' formation to commemorate the 75 years of Independence.
This year the viewers could also see the cockpit of the aircraft on the screens at the parade venue as well as during the broadcast.
The flypast included Tangail formation which saw one Dakota and two Dornier flying in Vic formation. This was a tribute to the Tangail airdrop operations of the 1971 War.
There was also a Meghna formation of 1 Chinook and four Mi-17s.
The flypast began with the 'Dhwaj' formation with four Mi-17 aircraft, followed by 'Rudra' and 'Rahat' formations with four and five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), respectively.
Among the other aircraft that displayed their might at the parade are Rafale, Indian Navy's MiG29K, P-8I surveillance aircraft and Jaguar fighter jets. -PTI
12: 12 pm
The curtains down at the Rajpath as president exits the dias. He is followed by his wife Savita Kovind and and Prime Minister Modi.
The Presidential Body Guard escorts the President back to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
12:02 pm
Fly Past begins with 75 aircrafts and helicopters of the Indian Air Force
The grand finale of the Republic Day parade, the Fly Past, features 75 aircrafts and helicopters of the Indian Air Force displaying a number of formations.
National
Aviation ministry's tableau showcases impact of regional air connectivity scheme Udan
The Aviation Ministry's tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday showcased its regional air connectivity scheme Udan and its impact across the country.
Under the UDAN scheme, financial incentives from the Centre, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and underserved airports and to keep airfares affordable.
The front part of the the aircraft-shaped tableau showcased women pilots depicting women power in India's aviation -- India has amongst the highest number of female pilots globally. The rear portion showed Buddhism symbols and the UDAN motto - Sab Uden, Sab Juden.
The middle portion focused on the Buddha circuit, featuring the Buddha statue in Gaya where he attained enlightenment, the Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath where he delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Parivartan) and the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana.
Both sides of the section depicted heritage sites — Humayun tomb in the north, Konark sun temple in east, Hampi temple chariot in south and Ajanta caves in west -- connected through air services. -PTI
11:53am
UP tableau depicts ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Dham
The spiritual city of Varanasi with the recently-inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Dham is the centrepiece of Uttar Pradesh's tableau in the 73rd Republic Day Parade on Rajpath.
The Uttar Pradesh float in its centre depicts a model of the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple, the structures of which are said to have been built by Holkar Queen Ahilyabai Holkar around 1780.
In the front of the tableau, the state's achievements through skill development and employment via One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which is based on the new micro, small and medium enterprise policy and industrial development policy of the state government. -PTI
11:39am
Jal Shakti ministry tableau depicts challenges of water supply at altitudes of over 13,000 ft
A tableau depicting how the Jal Jeevan Mission provides clean tap water to homes in Ladakh at an altitude of more than 13,000 ft even in harsh winter months rolled down the Rajpath at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
The tableau showed a proud droplet figure in front, depicting the achievement of the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme and community ownership of village water supply.
The middle section showcased the joy of the community getting clean tap water in the comfort of their homes, schools and anganwadis.
It showed how trained local women conducted water quality tests by using Field Test Kits.
The last section depicted the situation in winter -- when temperatures fall to minus 20 degrees Censius, water sources get frozen, supply lines become inoperative, pipes burst and supply of materials is affected badly, construction material is lifted and transported with the help of animals and helicopters - PTI
National
Indian Army showcases Centurion tank, PT-76 tank that played major role in 1971 war
The Indian Army on Wednesday showcased at the Republic Day parade the Centurion tank, PT-76 tank, 75/24 Pack howitzer and OT-62 TOPAZ armoured personnel carrier that played a major role in defeating Pakistan in the 1971 war.
India in 2021 celebrated the Swarnim Vijay Varsh (Golden victory year) to commemorate India's win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. - PTI
National
Navy's tableau depicts 1946 uprising; woman officer leads marching contingent
The Indian Navy's tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday depicted the 1946 naval uprising, which contributed to the country's Independence movement, and its marching contingent was led by a woman officer.
The uprising was started by the Royal Indian Navy's sailors of 'Talwar' ship on February 18, 1946, and it then spread to 78 ships.
The tableau on Tuesday showed the navy's theme of 'Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive'. The naval contingent comprised 96 men, three platoon commanders and one contingent commander.
It was led by Lieutenant Commander Aanchal Sharma, who is an observer officer posted at the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 314. - PTI
11: 31am
IAF tableau was based on Indian Air Force transforming for the future
The IAF tableau was based on the theme -- 'Indian Air Force transforming for the future'. Scaled down models of Rafale fighter jet, indigenously developed light combat helicopter (LCH) and 3D surveillance radar Aslesha MK-1 were part of the float. It also featured a scaled down model of MiG-21 aircraft that played a major role in the 1971 war in which India defeated Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh, as well as a model of India's first indigenously developed aircraft Gnat. - PTI
11:30 am
India's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot part of IAF tableau
The country's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday. She is only the second woman fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the first female fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Singh, who is from Varanasi, joined the IAF in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF's second batch of women fighter pilots. She had been flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft before flying the Rafale.
She is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based out of Ambala in Punjab. - PTI
National
Army's marching contingents display evolution of uniforms, rifles since independence
How Indian Army uniforms and rifles have evolved over the decades since the Indian independence was on display at this year's Republic Day parade.
Three marching contingents of the Indian Army wore uniforms and carried rifles from previous decades, while one contingent wore the new combat uniform and carried the latest Tavor rifles at Republic Day Parade-2022 (RDP-2022) as a part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrating the 75th year of India's independence.
There were a total of six marching contingents of the Army at the parade this year.
The Indian Army's first marching contingent, of Rajput regiment soldiers, wore the 1950s uniform and carry .303 rifles. The second marching contingent, of Assam regiment soldiers, wore the 1960s uniform of the Indian Army and carry .303 rifles.
The 1970s uniform of the Army was worn by soldiers of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment, who formed the third marching contingent, and they carried 7.62 mm self-loading rifles.
The fourth and fifth marching contingents were of Sikh Light Infantry and Army Ordnance Corps Regiment, respectively, and these soldiers wore the current uniform of the Army and carry 5.56 mm Insas rifles.
The sixth contingent was of Parachute regiment soldiers who wore the new combat uniform, which was unveiled earlier this month, and carried Tavor rifles.- PTI
11:27am
DRDO's tableaux display indigenous weapons for Tejas, propulsion system for subs
The DRDO's first tableau displayed an indigenously-developed advanced electronically scanned array radar called 'Uttam' and five different aerial launched weapons and an electronic warfare (EW) jammer to enhance the capabilities of the fourth-generation LCA Tejas.
The second featured indigenously-developed AIP systems for propelling the Indian Navy's submarines underwater.- PTI
National
Republic Day parade's first marching contingent is world's only active horsed cavalry regiment
Horse-mounted soldiers of the Indian Army's 61 Cavalry Regiment, the only active horsed cavalry unit in the world currently, was the first marching contingent at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
This regiment's contingent was led by Major Mrityunjay Singh Chouhan.
The 61 Cavalry Regiment was formed in 1953 by amalgamation of all the states' horse units.
The regiment has the unique distinction of leading the last recorded cavalry charge in history when it took on the Turks at the battle of Haifa in 1918 during World War 1.
The regiment has won a total of 39 battle honours till date. Its motto is "Ashva Shaki Yashobal", which means "Horse Power is Forever Supreme". - PTI
11:20am
Gujarat depicts British massacre of tribals in Republic Day tableau
A century-old, long-forgotten uprising in Bhil dominated Sabarkantha that was quelled by the British after the horrific massacre of 1,200 tribals was showcased by Gujarat in the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
The tableau of the Gujarat government depicted scenes of the congregation of tribals in Pal-Dadhvaav villages to protest against high taxation (lagaan) and forced labour imposed by the British and the subsequent indiscriminate firing by the British Army.
The horrific incident had taken place on March 7, 1922, just three years after the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre, but had gone into oblivion. - PTI
National
R-Day march past begins with Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra gallantry award winners
The march past on Republic Day on Wednesday began with Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra gallantry award winners following the parade commander in their jeeps.
Retired Subedar Major Yogender Singh Yadav, who won India's highest wartime gallantry award Param Vir Chakra for showing exemplary bravery during the 1999 Kargil war, was in the first of the three jeeps.
Yadav was conferred the rank of Honorary Captain on Independence Day last year.
Subedar Sanjay Kumar, who also won the Param Vir Chakra for showing exceptional bravery during the 1999 Kargil war, was in the second jeep.
Colonel D Sreeram Kumar -- who won India's highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra for showing exceptional bravery during an anti-terrorist operation in Imphal on October 23, 2008 -- was in the third jeep.
All three jeeps -- each with an award winner -- drove parallel during the parade. - PTI
National
Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath with booming 21-gun salute
The national flag was unfurled on 73rd Republic Day at Rajpath followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute on Wednesday.
According to the tradition, the 21-gun salute was presented by the ceremonial battery of 871 field regiment.
The ceremonial battery was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitender Singh Mehta.
President Ram Nath Kovind honoured the proud winners of the highest gallantry, including the winners of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra.
Flower petals were showered by four Mi-17 V5 helicopters flying in the wineglass formation. - PTI
10:33am
Marching contingents now march past the saluting base
The Parade Commander Lieutenant Genaral Vijay Kumar Mishra heralding this year's parade at Rajpath. Followed by Parade second in command Major General Alok Kacker.
Following the Parade Commander the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. Param Vir Chakra Subedar honorary Captian Yogebndra Singh Yadav and Subedar Sanjay Kumar. The Ashoka Chakra Lieutenanl Colonel T Sreeram Kumar.
Followed by 61st Cavalry led by Major Mrityunjay Singh Chouhan. Then Centurian Tank of the Poona Horse led by Captian Rahul Sharma. Folllowed by Tank PT 76 led by Captian Anushman Tiwari. Followed by MBT Arjun MK-I led by Lieutenant Gulale Swapnil Kumar. Followed by APC Topaz led by Major Ravi Kumar. BehInd them the detachment of BMP 1 led by Naib Subedar Shyam Sunder.
Following BMP 1, ICV BMP 2 coming forward to the salute base led by LT Rushikesh Sarda. This BMP is a high mobility infatry combat vehicle.
Behind arrives 75/24 pack Howitzer MK- I IF Artillery Centre Nasik led by Major P Shankar Dutt. This is India's First Indeginuosly developed gun
Folllowed by Dhanush Gun led by Lt Satyam Mishra. Then coming forward PMS Bridge led by Lt Siddharth Sinha
10:26am
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at Rajpath, greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Republic Day parade
10:20am
Prime Minister arrived at the Rajpath after paying tributes at the War Memorial
National
Scrolls depicting valour of unsung heroes of freedom struggle displayed along Rajpath
Ten huge scrolls depicting the valour and bravery of unsung heroes of freedom struggle were displayed along the Rajpath during the 73rd Republic Day parade.
The scrolls, each of 75 metres in length and 15 ft in height, were prepared during the ‘Kala Kumbh’ event jointly organised by ministries of defence and culture.
The scrolls were painted in two phases - at Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh - by over 600 renowned artists and young aspirants from across the country.
Inspiration for the scrolls was drawn from the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of indigenous and contemporary visual art practices. - PTI
10:00AM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays Tribute at the National War Memorial
Prime Minister visited the National War Memorial on Wednesday morning, commencing the 73 rd Republic day Parade. PM paid tributes to the fallen heroes
Maharashtra
Maharashtra CM greets people on Republic Day, unfurls national flag
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday unfurled the tricolour at his official residence in south Mumbai on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day. - PTI
National
Google doodle showcases elements of ceremonial parade on Rajpath
Elephants, camels, saxophone and various other rich elements from the annual January 26 ceremonial parade on Rajpath, have been depicted in a vibrant doodle by internet search giant Google to mark India's 73rd Republic Day on January 26.
Google doodle showcases elements of ceremonial parade on Rajpath
Karnataka
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot address Republic Day 2022, at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade ground, amidst heavy security, in Bengaluru
Watch | Republic Day 2022 parade in Bengaluru
Delhi under thick security blanket in view of Republic Day celebrations
In view of the 73rd Republic Day celebrations, Delhi has been brought under a heavy security cover as the city police has intensified patrolling and sealed the borders of the national capital in coordination with its counterparts from the neighbouring states to thwart any untoward incident amid a terror alert by intelligence agencies.
Delhi under thick security blanket in view of Republic Day celebrations
