Delhi Republic Day parade
{{short description|Parade marking the Republic Day celebrations in India}}
{{use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| image = File:Republic day parade (India) montage.jpg
| image_size = 350px
| caption = Clockwise from top left: CISF marching contingent (2017); tableau of Karnataka (2010); a C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKIs (2018); T-90 tanks (2016); daredevil riders of BSF (2014); bird’s eye view of Kartavya Path (2013).
| begins = 26 January
| ends = 29 January by Retreat Ceremony
| first = 26 January 1950
| last = 26 January 2025
| next = 26 January 2026
| frequency = Annual
| genre = National Military And Cultural patriotic parade
| organised = Ministry of Defence{{Cite web|url=https://mod.gov.in/dod/ceremonials|title=Ceremonials | Department Of Defence|website=mod.gov.in|access-date=21 December 2019}}
| website = {{URL|https://indianrdc.mod.gov.in/}}
}}
The Delhi Republic Day parade is the largest and most important of the parades marking the Republic Day celebrations in India. The parade takes place every year on 26 January at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. It is the main attraction of India's Republic Day celebrations, which last for three days. The first parade was held in 1950, and it has been held every year since. The cultural pageant is a symbol of a diverse but united India.{{cite news |title=Republic Day: How India's military parade became a spectacle |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60111564 |access-date=5 February 2022 |work=BBC News |date=26 January 2022}}
The parade marches from the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the Kartavya Path to India Gate and from there to Red Fort. It opens with the unfurling of the national flag by the President of India. This is followed by marching from several regiments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with their bands, and tableaux from various states signifying their cultures are displayed. A beating retreat ceremony signifies the end of the parade.
History
File:Rajendra Prasad readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade.jpg (in the horse-drawn carriage) during the first parade in 1950.]]
The first Republic Day Parade was held on 26 January 1950, led by then Brigadier Moti Sagar of the Gorkha Regiment, during which the President of Indonesia Sukarno was the chief guest. The flypast of that parade included aircraft such as Harvards, Consolidated B-24 Liberators, Dakotas, Hawker Tempest, Spitfires and jet planes comprising a total of more than a hundred aircraft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/republic-day-10-things-you-did-not-know-barack-obama-narendra-modi-237416-2015-01-26|title=10 things you did not know about Republic Day|date=26 January 2015|website=India Today|access-date=16 January 2020}} The venue was Irwin Amphitheater, now known as Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The parades are the legacy of the British Raj, as a showcase of power to the rival States. Since time immemorial the parades have been a show of strength, mystical prowess of the empires and nation-state, legacy of triumph, and inspiring loyalty to the State. The Prussian State was the pioneer of modern military parades. Indian leaders attached military parades to the Republic Day to commemorate the triumph of a new sovereign strong republic against the colonial power. Consequently, among many other innovations, the unique and grand cultural tableaux were included as an integral part of the parade symbolising a strong and diverse republic, replete with symbols of a larger nationalism incorporating massive regional diversity. With time the colonial symbols have been systematically pushed away, and an indianisation has happened.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-26 |title=Why does India celebrate Republic Day with a military parade? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-republic-day-military-parade-significance-8405248/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
Parade
Image:BSF-Republic day.jpeg during the 2015 parade.]]
To mark the Republic Day, an annual parade is held in New Delhi, starting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), and proceeding along the Kartavya Path, past the India Gate.{{cite news|agency=Eastern Fare |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/india-celebrates-63rd-republic-day.html |title=India Celebrates 63rd Republic Day |publisher=Efi-news.com |date=26 January 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515083307/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/india-celebrates-63rd-republic-day.html |archive-date=15 May 2012 }} Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the National War Memorial (previously at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial) at one end of Kartavya Path, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of fallen soldiers. Thereafter he/she reaches the main dais at Kartavya Path to join other dignitaries. Subsequently, the President arrives along with the chief guest of the occasion. They are escorted on horseback by the President's Bodyguard.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}
First, the president unfurls the National flag, as the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana is played, and a 21-gun salute is fired by the Indian Army Regiment of Artillery as the PBG renders the National Salute and its standard is dipped. Next, as the PBG trots off the dais, important awards like the Ashok Chakra and Param Vir Chakra are given away by the President. The President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations, either in military, civilian or disaster scenarios. This is followed by the regiments of Armed Forces starting their march past, led by the parade commander and his second in command, followed by living recipients of gallantry medals of the Republic. Following the march past of the armed forces follows the march of personnel belonging to the federal security organizations and the Delhi Police, which marches also on behalf of all territorial, state, city and municipal police forces. Children who are recipients of the National Bravery Award ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants or vehicles.[http://india.gov.in/outerwin.htm?id=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=15034&kwd=national+bravery National Bravery Awards-2005] Press Release, Govt. of India.
18 to 24 different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force (total nearly 55)) with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this parade.{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/samachar/feb15-04/html/ch1.htm |title=Chap |publisher=Mod.nic.in |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307214958/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/feb15-04/html/ch1.htm |archive-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=dead }} One of the unique sights of the parade is the camel mounted Border Security Force contingent, which is the only camel mounted military force in the world.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} The best NCC cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to participate in this event, as do the school children from various schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms. 22 to 30 floats exhibiting the cultures of the various states and union territories of India, including floats of union ministries and state enterprises are in the grand parade, which is broadcast nationwide on television and radio. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion.{{Cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/samachar/feb01-05/body.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=20 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214034734/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/feb01-05/body.html |archive-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead }} People from different parts of the country enjoy watching the representation of their state rolling along in the parade. Around 1200 schoolchildren present cultural dances as part of the parade.{{cite news |location=New Delhi |url=http://www.asianage.com/delhi/1200-schoolkids-take-part-r-day-parade-612 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108120353/http://www.asianage.com/delhi/1200-schoolkids-take-part-r-day-parade-612 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2018 |title=1,200 schoolkids to take part in R-Day parade |newspaper=The Asian Age |date=15 January 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012 }} The 2016 Republic Day marked the return of K-9 Dog Squad to the parade after 26 years.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/army-dogs-march-down-rajpath-on-republic-day-after-26-years/|title=Army dogs march down Rajpath on Republic Day after 26 years|date=26 January 2016|access-date=21 December 2019}}
The parade traditionally ends with dare devil motor cycle riding display by motorcycle units of the Armed Forces and civil security services and a flypast by the Indian Air Force jets and helicopters.{{Cite web|url=https://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/celebrations.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118233857/http://knowindia.gov.in/republic-day-celebration/celebrations.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2018|title=Republic Day Celebration - Celebrations - Know India: National Portal of India|website=knowindia.gov.in|access-date=11 January 2020}} In 2019, the flypast included aircraft such as Su 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mig 29, C-17 Globemaster and HAL Rudra.{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1561491|title=Curtain Raiser – Republic Day Celebrations 2019|date=25 January 2019|website=Press Information Bureau|access-date=11 January 2020}}
A full dress rehearsal parade is organised on 23 January every year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/1027180/republic-day-full-dress-rehearsal-check-out-grand-display-of-indian-military-contingents-array-of-tanks-fighter-planes/|title=Republic Day full dress rehearsal: Check out grand display of Indian military contingents, array of tanks, fighter planes|date=23 January 2018|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=11 January 2020|quote=Every year on January 23, Republic Day full dress rehearsal happens.}}
To promote gender equality and women empowerment, in 2024, most of the contingents, including the motorcycle acrobat teams were composed entirely of women.{{cite news |title=India celebrates Republic Day with women-led parade |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68091821 |access-date=26 January 2024 |date=26 January 2024}}{{cite news |title=75th Republic Day parade women-centric, 100 women play musical instruments |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/75th-republic-day-parade-to-be-women-centric-100-women-to-play-musical-instruments-101706235008416.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 January 2024 |language=en}}
=Tableaux=
File:The tableau of Tamil Nadu passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg passes through the Kartavya Path during the 2017 parade.]]
The selection process of the tableaux is conducted by the Ministry of Defence, which involves a number of guidelines. The ministry recommends that tableaux represent a historical event, heritage, culture, development programmes and environment. The tableaux must not carry any logos and should carry some animation and sound.
Proposals are invited from union ministries and departments of the union government of India, and from states and union territories of India within a fixed deadline. The proposals are examined by a committee of experts from arts fields. The examination process involves 2 rounds. The first round provides suggestions for modifications, after evaluating the sketches and designs. The second round evaluates three-dimensional models, after which a final judgement is passed by the committee.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-only-some-states-get-to-have-republic-day-tableau/articleshow/73137057.cms|title=Why only some states get to have Republic Day tableau|last=Das|first=Anjishnu|date=8 January 2020|website=The Times of India|access-date=11 January 2020}} A system was introduced in 2024, which gives every state and union territory a chance to showcase their tableau during the Republic Day parade once every three years.{{cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |title=Republic Day 2024 parade {{!}} Under new deal, each State can field tableau once in three years |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/all-states-union-territories-may-get-to-showcase-tableau-once-in-three-years/article67727789.ece |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The Hindu |date=10 January 2024 |language=en-IN}}{{cite news |title=All states, UTs to get equal chance to display tableaux during Republic Day parade: Govt |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/all-states-uts-to-get-equal-chance-to-display-tableaux-during-republic-day-parade-govt-officials-9104143/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The Indian Express |date=11 January 2024 |language=en}}
=Beating Retreat=
{{see also | Military Music Wing | Indian military bands | Indian Army Chief's Band | Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat | Samman Guard }}
File:The Band performing at the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, at Vijay Chowk, in New Delhi on January 29, 2018 (5).jpg at Vijay Chowk on 29 January 2018.]]
The Indian Beating Retreat ceremony officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities. It is conducted on the evening of 29 January, the third day after the Republic Day. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The venue is Raisina Hill and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, flanked by the north and south block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace) towards the end of Kartavya Path.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}
File:Narendra and other dignitaries at the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony 2022.jpg
The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives escorted by the Presidential Body Guard (PBG), a cavalry unit. When the President arrives, the PBG commander asks the unit to give the National Salute, which is followed by playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, by the Army developed the ceremony of display by the massed bands in which Military Bands, Pipe and Drum Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands from the Navy and Air Force take part which play popular tunes like the National Song of India Vande Mataram, Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn Vaishnava Jana To, Saare Jahan Se Achcha, Abide With Me and Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo at the end.{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=69432|title=Curtain Raiser – Beating Retreat Ceremony 2011|date=28 January 2011|publisher=Ministry of Defence}}{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Beating-Retreat-weaves-soul-stirring-musical-evening/articleshow/7386283.cms|title=Beating Retreat weaves soul-stirring musical evening|date=29 January 2011|work=The Times of India }}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Martial-music-rings-down-the-curtain/articleshow/7386605.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104134834/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/delhi/28374820_1_republic-day-celebrations-bands-ceremony|url-status=live|archive-date=4 November 2012|work=The Times of India|title=Martial music rings down the curtain|date=30 January 2011}}
Mostly, after Republic Day Celebrations Schools and Colleges Observe Holiday on 27 January.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}
Guest contingents
In 2016, French Army soldiers and a French Army Band took part in the 67th Republic Day parade. This marked the first time since the beginning of the parade in 1950, that a foreign army contingent marched down the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}
Awards
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2019}}
=Best marching contingents=
=Best three tableaux=
=Best tableaux among the Union Ministries and Departments=
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Union Ministry / Department |
| 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityspidey.com/news/11162/republic-day-tableaux-of-ministry-of-jal-shakti-ndrf-named-best|title=Republic Day: Tableaux of Ministry of Jal Shakti, NDRF named best|website=www.cityspidey.com|language=en-GB|access-date=29 January 2020}}
|National Disaster Response Force and Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2025 |
=Popular Choice Awards=
In 2022, for the first time, the public were allowed to vote for their favourite floats and marching contingents using the MyGov app. The floats with the most votes are declared the winners.{{cite web | url=https://www.mygov.in/group-poll/vote-your-favorite-tableau-republic-day-2022/ | title=Vote for your favorite Tableau at Republic Day 2022 | date=23 January 2022 }}
See also
{{Commons category|Republic Day Parade (India)}}
Notes
:1.{{note|em}}On each of these occasions, Lady Edwina Mountbatten from United Kingdom was also the official guest for the parade.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|501661043}} |title=REPUBLIC DAY IN DELHI: Parade In Heart Of City |work=The Times of India |date=22 January 1956 |page=4 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BskeHou0GEE|title=Republic Celebration (1964)|last=British Pathé|date=13 April 2014|via=YouTube}}
:2.{{note|61}} Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip also accompanied Queen Elizabeth II during the parade.{{cite web|url=http://www.timescontent.com/tss/showcase/preview-buy/123836/News/Pandit-Jawaharlal-Nehru-Queen-Eliza.html |title=Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, News Photo, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth be |publisher=Timescontent.com |date=26 January 1961 |access-date=24 January 2014}}
:3.{{note|62a}}Danish Prime Minister attended Republic Day in Madras (Chennai).{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|365725781}} |title=DANISH PREMIER TO VISIT INDIA |work=The Times of India |date=4 January 1962 |page=7 }}
:4.{{note|66}}No invitations were sent out possibly due to the demise of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on 11 January 1966 in Tashkent. The new government headed by Indira Gandhi was sworn on 24 January 1966 (only two days before the Republic Day).{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OOmK1lPWq80C&q=indira+gandhi+1966+republic+day&pg=PA277 |title=Mother India: A Political Biography of Indira Gandhi |author= Pranay Gupte |date=15 February 2012 |publisher=Penguin Books India |access-date=1 August 2018|isbn=9780143068266 }}
:5.{{note|67a}}For the first time, the President of India (Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan) could not take the salute at the Republic Day parade due to ill-health.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QQAuAQAAIAAJ&q=For+the+first+time+in+18+years,+the+President+of+India+could+not+take+the+salute+at+the+Republic+Day+parade+in+New+Delhi|title=Asian Recorder|date=25 July 1967|via=Google Books}} Zahir Shah arrived on 28 January.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eMttAAAAMAAJ&q=zahir+shah+afghanistan+1967+india+visit|title=Asian Almanac|date=25 July 1967|publisher=V.T. Sambandan.|via=Google Books}}
:6.{{note|70}}Attended only the Beating Retreat{{Cite web |url=http://mealib.nic.in/?pdf2558%3F000 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503123711/http://mealib.nic.in/?pdf2558%3F000 |archive-date=3 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4eoxAQAAIAAJ&q=1970+Baudouin+india+republic+day|title=Link: Indian Newsmagazine|date=25 July 1970}}