Republic Day, when the country marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. Every year the celebration marking the day feature astounding military and cultural pageantry but this year it was a lot more than that.
The armed forces personnel march along the Rajpath, in an elaborate display of military might. Rajpath was once known as the Kingsway, in honor of India’s then emperor, George V. The name was renamed Rajpath after independence.
The Rashtrapati Bhawan was decorated with bright colorful lights and a laser show was on display on the 73rd Republic Day.
Let’s have a look at the highlights of the 73rd Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav:
Song, dance, and art as cultural diversity was put on full display
As India celebrates the 75th year as an independent nation, the culture played the top role in the Republic Day parade. The Vande Bharatam Nritya Utsav saw participation in four categories: classical, folk, tribal, and fusion/contemporary.
The dancers who were performing in the same were selected through a nationwide competition in which 3870 dancers participated and 480 dancers were selected to perform. And the competition was organised by the Ministries of Defence and Culture.
Indian Air Force showcased the grand and biggest Flypast with 75 aircraft
Presenting India’s boundless military strength on the 73rd Republic Day, the Indian Air Force showcased the grand and biggest flypast with 75 aircraft of the IAF on display. An elegant cock view was seen on-air for the first time ever during the Grand Finale of Republic Day.
The flypast witnessed 75 aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force starring a number of formations.
Shivangi Singh made our hearts swell with pride
Shivani Singh, India’s first women pilot to fly a Rafale fighter jet, was a part of the Indian Airforce Tableau at the Republic Day Parade.
Shivangi Singh joined the Indian Air Dorce in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF’s second batch of women fighter pilots.
After Bhawna Kanth, Shivangi Singh is the second female fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Another Virat steals the show, through his retirement
Virat, the elite horse of President’s bodyguard was bid farewell by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Virat has served as the President’s Bodyguard since 2003 and has made successful appearances in the Republic Day event 13 times.
Earlier this year, on the occasion of Army Day, Virat was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation for his role as “charger”. Virat is the first horse to receive the commendation card for exceptional service and abilities.
For the first time, 1,000 made in India drones creates formations in the sky over Rashtrapati Bhavan
The sky above Rashtrapati Bhawan was lit up with vibrant colors and formations that were created by Made in India drones.
A total of 1,000 drones made different formations on January 25th as part of a rehearsal for the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk. And the drones were rehearsed for the ceremony to be held on January 29th.
Photos and videos were shared online showing the drones slowly rising up in the sky in the colors of the Indian National Flag. A few minutes later, they formed the shape of a globe and roasted in the sky before disintegrating into the map of India.
