Republic Day 2024: 13 interesting facts about India's Republic Day Parade

The Republic Day Parade begins at 9:30 am.

India is gearing up to celebrate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, the day the country’s Constitution came into effect. The centrepiece of these celebrations is the Republic Day Parade, held at Kartavya Path (earlier known as Rajpath) in New Delhi. The Republic Day Parade is a spectacular display of India's cultural diversity and military power.

Here are 13 interesting facts about India’s Republic Day Parade:

1) The Republic Day parade starts with the arrival of the President. The President's bodyguards, the cavaliers, commence the event by saluting the National Flag, accompanied by the National Anthem.

2) The theme for the 2024 Republic Day parade is "India - Mother of Democracy" and "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), reflecting the nation's democratic values and aspirations for progress.

3) This year's parade will feature two all-women contingents from the defence forces, comprising 144 personnel, including 60 from the Army and others from the Air Force and Navy.

4) French President Emmanuel Macron has been invited as the chief guest this year, continuing the tradition of leaders from other countries participating in India's Republic Day celebrations. Last year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the chief guest.

5) Around 15 tableaux from different states and Union Territories are chosen for the Republic Day parade.

6) Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, unfurled the National Flag on January 26, 1950, officially declaring the birth of the country as a democratic republic.

7) The first Republic Day procession took place in 1950 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, featuring over 100 aircraft and 3,000 Indian military personnel.

8) Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest at India's Republic Day parade.

9) Rajpath, now Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi, hosted its first Republic Day parade in 1955, with Pakistan's Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad as the chief guest.

10) Parade participants start preparing as early as July of the previous year for the Republic Day Parade. By December, they gather at Rajpath after practising for hours at regiment centres.

11) A special camp near India Gate exhibits tanks, armoured vehicles and modern military gear showcasing India's military strength.

12) Before the main event, parade groups cover 12 kilometres during rehearsals. On Republic Day, the distance is shortened to 9 kilometres. Judges along the route evaluate each group based on 200 parameters to decide the "best marching group."

13) Parade participants go through a four-level investigation, and their arms undergo thorough checks to ensure they are not loaded with live bullets or weapons.

The Republic Day Parade in India is not just a display of military prowess but also a vibrant celebration of the country's unity in diversity.