This year’s R-Day celebration is unique in more ways than one. Know more

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jan 25, 2021 at 4:46 PM

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: As the nation is looking forward to observing its 72^nd Republic Day, Rajpath will not be hosting a multitude of gathering this year, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A lot of changes have been made on the programs’ list this year to make sure that the revelry spirits stay up among people in the country without adding up to the COVID count post celebration. However, here are some highlights that would make this Republic Day celebration a unique one:

Celebration without a chief guest

For the first time in almost over a decade, this Republic Day Parade will not be graced by any foreign leader as a chief guest. This decision was made after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelled his visit for the celebration after a mutant strain of COVID-19 was detected in the UK.

Limited audience

The audience count has been limited to 25,000. Also, the entry of children below 15 years of age has been restricted. Sitting arrangements have been made following social distancing norms.

Rafale’s debut

Fighter plane Rafale will make its Republic Day debut flying past in the ‘Vertical Charlie’ formation. As many as 38 India Air Force (IAF) aircraft and four Indian Army planes will be a part of the parade.

Shorter parade

The R-Day parade that covers 8.2 km distance from Vijaya Chowk to Red Fort every year, will stop covering 3.3 km at the National Stadium. Representing the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the Union Territory of Ladakh will debut in the parade among the 32 tableaux.

First woman fighter pilot in the parade

Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth will be the first woman fighter pilot to participate in the R-Day parade, being a part of the IAF’s tableau.

Tractor rally by Farmers

Over two lakh farmers will rally on their tractors for which they have been granted permission from the Delhi Police. The rally will begin after the Republic Day Parade’s conclusion at Rajpath. The farmers will take the rally on five routes.

72nd republic day celebration