Republic Day is marked on 26th January every year and on the same day in 1949, the Constitution of India came into force as the governing document of the country. It marks India’s identity as a republic nation. The Republic Day Parade refers to the ceremonial parade on Rajpath, New Delhi, held every year on the same date.
When is the Republic Day Parade?
The Republic Day Parade is held every year on 26th January. A three-hour program, it starts sharp at 9:30 a.m. after flag hoisting.
Where is the Republic Day Parade held?
The Republic Day Parade takes place along Rajpath, in Delhi. Its route is more than five kilometers long. The parade sets out from Raisina Hill near Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace) and follows Rajpath past India Gate to the Red Fort.
What happens at the Republic Day Parade?
The Republic Day Parade starts off with the arrival of the President of India, escorted by a pose of bodyguards on horses. The Prime Minister of India lays a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay homage to those who lost their lives in wars. The President hosts the National flag as the National Anthem is played and a 21-gun salute is given. Next, important awards like the Paramvir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Children’s National Bravery Award are given away by President.
The grand Republic Day Parade is led by the three divisions of the Indian Armed Forces. Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy and Air Force with their bands march past in their uniforms and official decorations. The President of India is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute.
Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part. Each Indian state and Union Territory is represented by a different float that highlights an aspect of its culture.
Almost 25 marching and mounted contingents, various military vehicles, 20 military bands, 30 cultural displays and 30 aircraft in addition to cultural performers and 1200 schoolchildren are in attendance. India’s Republic Day Parade in New Delhi is the most spectacular regular parade in the world.
Where to Get Tickets for the Republic Day Parade
The Republic Day Parade tickets are available from January 10th to 25th. Front row passes are available to VIPs.
Locations to get tickets are:
India Tourism Development Corporation (IDTC) Travel Counters at Ashok and Janpath Hotels. (Working days only).
Delhi Tourism Development Corporation (DTDC) Counters at Coffee Home, Baba Kharag Singh Marg and Food and Craft Bazar, Dilli Haat, opposite INA Market, and Shri Gandhi Ashram, Chandni Chowk. (Working days only).
Departmental Sale Counters at North Block roundabout, South Block roundabout, Pragati Maidan (Gate No. 1, Bhairon Road), Jantar Mantar (Main Gate), Shastri Bhawan (near Gate No. 1), India Gate (near Jamnagar House), Red Fort. (10 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. daily).
Parliament House Reception Office. (11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday/Sunday/Holiday closed).
Government of India Tourist Office, Janpath. (Closed Sunday).
Ticket Prices
Republic Day Parade costs 300 rupees and 150 rupees for reserved seats. 50 rupees and 10 rupees for unreserved seats.
Beating Retreat Ceremony (Full Dress Rehearsal) costs 50 rupees and 20 rupees. All seats are unreserved.
Bengal tableau rejected for Republic Day parade: Defence Ministry
