Odishatv Bureau

India will showcase her military might, cultural diversity on the 73rd Republic Day today as President Ram Nath Kovind will lead the country in celebrating the special occasion as it is the 75th year of Independence. 

To mark this ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Ministry of Defence has organised many special events at the Rajpath parade event which will be held with a small turnout of spectators of around 24000.

The parade will begin at 10.30 instead of 10 am.

As per the PTI, 16 marching contingents would participate in this year's parade from which eight will be from the Indian Armed Forces, four of the Central Armed Police Force, two of NCC, and one each of Delhi Police and NSS.

This year the country will see the "grandest and largest" flypast ever with the participation of 75 aircraft.

The parade will have a total of 25 tableaux from various states, departments, and armed forces

For the second consecutive year, there will be no chief guest in view of the COVID-19 situation.

The R-Day celebrations will now be celebrated for an entire week - between January 23 and 30 - every year

According to an official statement, only double vaccinated adults/one dose vaccinated children of 15 years and above will be allowed entry at the parade. Children below 15 years of age will not be permitted

National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem and 21-gun salute.

The parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The march will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, Ati Vishisth Seva Medal winner. 

This year, some new activities have been planned for the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony on January 29 which include a drone show

scrollToTop