The forthcoming Republic Day is a special part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations across the country. As part of the celebrations, the government of India hosts many cultural events, but the Republic day Parade is above all.
The grand parade at the Kartavya path is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the nation.
This year the celebrations will be special with many firsts. Here are some Interesting facts about the Republic day parade 2023.
1. BSF's women contingent to be featured for 1st time since Independence
The women contingent of the BSF will be in the Republic Day Parade for the first time. Uniforms of the women's contingent atop camels have been designed by renowned designer Mr Raghavendra Rathore. They will join their male counterparts in the parade who have been a part of the parade since 1976.
2. India's 2023 Republic Day Chief Guest
The leaders of different nations grace the Republic Day celebrations every year. This year, Egypt's president Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest. Fattah al-Sisi is the first republic day chief guest after a two-year gap caused by COVID-19. President el-Sisi is also the first Egyptian leader bestowed with the honour.
180 Egyptian Military personnel are expected to be part of the parade during the visit of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on January 26. The Ministry of External Affairs suggests foreign leaders who can be invited to Republic day celebrations every year.
3. March-past by NCC contingents
NCC will host its annual republic day parade in the evening for the first time. The parade will be held on January 28 at Delhi's Cariappa Parade.
Also, instead of the standard practice of 17 contingents, only five contingents will march past the parade. Raised in 1948, NCC is the largest uniformed Youth organisation.
4. Grand Cultural Show at Kartavya Path
The grand cultural show with the theme of Nari Shakti will witness a performance by 500 dancers. The dancers performing at Kartavyapath have been shortlisted through state competitions.
5. Republic Day Theme 2023
The theme for the Republic Day parade 2023 is ‘Participation of the Common People’. The event will witness the attendance of common people from different walks of society. Invites to the parade have been sent to construction workers, vegetable vendors, street vendors etc.
6. Tableau at Republic Day Parade 2023
After six rounds of screening, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Dada Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, & Ladakh have been selected for presenting tableau at Republic Day Parade 2023.
7. First celebrations at Kartavya Path
Republic Day Parade 2023 will be the first one at Kartavya Path after the completion of the redevelopment project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated central Vista Avenue in September.
8. Virtual Tour of Beating Retreat Ceremony
The beating retreat ceremony marks the end of 4 day long republic day celebrations on January 29. It is an age-old tradition. 360-degree virtual tour of the beating retreat ceremony will be available on the official website for Republic day Celebrations.
9. Navy’s vintage IL38 SD to fly overhead Kartavya Path
The 50 aircraft-strong that will flypast over the Kartavya path will include the Vintage IL38 SD for the first and last time. The Navy’s IL38 SD was inducted in the late 1970s and has played a critical role in long-range maritime missions. The Soviet-made aircraft has a substantial operating range.
10. Free Metro Ride for E-ticket Holders
The e-ticket holders for the Republic Day parade can enjoy a free metro ride on January 26. The e-tickets booked online can be shown at metro stations to avail of the free ride. Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat are the two metro stations near the Kartavya Path.
Conclusion
Republic Day marked the country's transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. The celebrations feature spectacular military and cultural pageantry along the Kartavya path in New Delhi. The occasion of the 74th Republic Day will be memorable with many firsts. Tickets for the Republic Day parade are already available, and you can witness the event live from Kartavya Path.
