Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, India

There are some unique events taking place in India, which are really worth seeing to get the feel of the progress of the entire country in almost all the fields like economic, military, and social. The famous Republic day parade is one such prestigious event taking place in Delhi at the India Gate on 26^th January every year, which is a Republic day of India. The present constitution of India had come in to the force on this date in the year 1950. Till then, the British constitution was in force. That is why this day is considered very important in the history of India as the real independence was achieved on this auspicious day.

Thousands of people gather around the famous India Gate to see this gorgeous parade early in the morning on 26^th January. There are many ways in which you can arrange the entry passes to this event. If you happen to know some VIP person in Delhi, the front row free passes can be easily obtained through them. Or else, you will need to buy the entry ticket, which is available in many categories starting from Rs.50 ($1.25) up to Rs.500 ($ 12.5). The sale of these tickets start one week prior to 26^th January and can be bought from booking offices available at many places in New Delhi. The parade starts at 8 am in the morning. However, you will have to reach at least one hour in advance and take your seat to beat the great rush of VIP people and the traffic problems due to closure of some of the roads leading towards India Gate.

The preparations for this parade starts around one month before and the people taking part in this parade from all the States of India reach Delhi by 22^nd January for the final rehearsals. This great parade starts from the Rashtrapatibhavan (President's house) and ends after it passes through the famous India Gate through the Rajpath. The Rajpath is the main road on which this famous parade passes. The chairs and the shamianas are made for accommodating the people who come to see this parade. The president of India, who is the head of constitution of India, takes the salute of this parade from the stage. The president of India arrives at India Gate in a lavish traditional historical horse cart, driven by eight black horses, exactly at 7.45 am. The Prime Minister of India and all other cabinet ministers welcome the president. Every year one chief guest having international importance is invited for this parade. The chief guest of the country arrives with the president himself in the same horse cart. As soon as the president of India takes his position on the stage, the parade starts from the Rashtrapatibhavan, situated exactly opposite to the India Gate.

The few selected NCC cadets from all over the country leads the parade, followed by all the three military wings chiefs, namely army, air force, and the navy, in their traditional uniform, saluting to the President of India. The new achievements in the field of military, and the new weapons acquired by the Indian army in the preceding year are presented in this parade. The few selected army soldiers from all three wings of the military march after the new inclusions in the army. The Indian Air force presents most beautiful air drill in the sky at this time. All the soldiers bring down their weapons when they pass by the President as a gesture of respect towards the head of the constitution.

The social and entertainment sections begin thereafter. Each and every State of India designs their own float based on the social customs, traditional dances, and festivals pertaining to their region. All these State floats pass next in the parade, in the alphabetical order of the names of the States. There are around 60 floats in the parade. These floats are decorated nicely and it is surely a treat to watch them. The children who have won the bravery award from the government in the preceding year come next in parade. All these children are sitting on the elephant, saluting to the President of India. The entire parade is around 3 miles long and it takes around 3 hours to watch it thoroughly. The parade ends at around 11.30 am. There is generally a great rush of traffic after the parade for getting out of the parade area. Hence, it would be a good idea to remain seated in your seats till this rush is over.

Make sure to carry your own drinking water supply as you may not be able to leave your seat till this parade ends. Some light snacks can also be kept with you. However, recent security measures do not allow the food items. I was lucky to see this parade before around 5 years when I was incidentally in Delhi on 26^th January. Many foreigners visit Delhi in such a way that they can see this most beautiful and exquisite event of India.