75th Republic Day 2024: Facts About Republic Day Parade

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Republic Day holds a special place in the hearts of every Indian, marked by the grand Republic Day Parade on 26th January each year. As India gears up to celebrate its 74th Republic Day in 2024, let’s delve into 15 fascinating facts that make the parade a pride and tradition.

List of Facts About Republic Day Parade

1. Evolution of Parade Venue

Rajpath, synonymous with the Republic Day Parade, wasn’t always the venue. From 1950 to 1954, the parade found its home at Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort, and Ramleela Maidan before making Rajpath its permanent venue in 1955.

2. Distinguished Guests

Every year, a distinguished guest graces the parade. The inaugural parade in 1950 welcomed President of Indonesia Dr. Sukarno. In 1955, during the shift to Rajpath, the honor went to the Governor-General of Pakistan, Malik Ghulam Mohammad.

3. Precision in the 21-Gun Salute

The parade kicks off with the arrival of the President, marked by the 21-Gun Salute. Contrary to the name, only 7 cannons, known as “25-Ponders,” are used for firing in 3 rounds, precisely synchronized with the National Anthem.

4. Early Preparations

Participants start gearing up as early as 2 AM, reaching Rajpath by 3 AM. The extensive preparations begin in July of the previous year, with participants practicing for 600 hours before the final performance.

5. Tank Display

A special camp near India Gate showcases tanks, armored vehicles, and modern military equipment. The meticulous investigation and whitewashing process for each cannon occur in 10 stages.

6. Parade Rehearsals

Before the grand day, each group covers 12 kilometers during rehearsals. On Republic Day, they cover a reduced distance of 9 kilometers. Judges evaluate every group based on 200 parameters to award the “best marching group” title.

7. Pre-Organized Precision

Every aspect of the parade, from start to finish, is pre-organized. Even the slightest error or delay by a few minutes could have significant consequences for the organizers.

8. Rigorous Checks

Each army personnel participating in the parade undergoes four levels of investigation. Their arms are thoroughly checked to ensure they are not loaded with live bullets.

9. Tableaux Speed

The tableaux in the parade move at a speed of about 5 km/hr to allow spectators to thoroughly enjoy the displays. Drivers operate these tableaux through small windows.

10. Flypast Spectacle

The “flypast” is a captivating highlight, orchestrated by the Western Airforce Command. Approximately 41 aircraft participate, taking off from different Air Force centers and reaching Rajpath at a precise time.

11. Musical Tradition

The song “Abide with Me,” Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite, was a regular feature. However, it has been recently removed by the central government.

12. Rifle Choices

Army personnel march with indigenously made INSAS rifles, while Special Security Forces carry Tavor rifles made in Israel.

13. Parade Expenditure

According to RTI information, the expenditure for the 2014 parade was about 320 crore rupees, showcasing a 54.51% increase from 2001 to 2014.

14. Historic Chief Guest

Malik Gulam Mohammed, the first governor-general of Pakistan, was the first chief guest at the Rajpath parade in 1955.

15. Beating Retreat Ceremony

The Republic Day celebrations conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony on 29th January at Vijay Chowk, featuring performances by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy bands.

Explore the rich history and meticulous details that make the Republic Day Parade a symbol of India’s unity, diversity, and military prowess.