New Delhi: The 73rd Republic Day celebrations for January 26 have concluded with the grandest ever 75 aircraft flypast showing India's air prowess over Rajpath. The Republic Day festivities, however, will continue till January 30.
The Indian Air Force, along with the Indian Army and Indian Navy, showcased its might with 15 different breathtaking formations in the sky, including Netra, Vinaash, Tiranga, Trishul and Varuna.
The flypast also showcased the Tangail formation, in which one Dakota and two Dornier aircraft flew to commemorate the Tangail air drop operation of the 1971 war.
Besides, five Rafale aircraft flew in Vinaash formation for the first time over Rajpath. Two MiG29K aircraft of the Indian Navy and one P-8I surveillance aircraft also flew in Varuna formation.
The flypast concluded with 17 Jaguar fighters flying over Rajpath in the shape of 75 to commemorate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava.
The Indian Air Force, for the first time, provided a live feed with the pilot's and cockpit's view, which looked fabulous.
The main function began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving at National War Memorial to lay wreaths in memory of the fallen soldiers. He was seen in a traditional Uttarakhand cap along with Brahmakamal, which is the state flower of Uttarakhand. The PM also wore a stole from Manipur.
The Tricolour was unfurled as President Ram Nath Kovind arrived. A 21-gun salute was presented by ceremonial battery of 871 Field Regiment.
Jammu & Kashmir Police's ASI Babu Ram's wife Rina Rani and son Manik received the Ashok Chakra. ASI Babu Ram was conferred the honour posthumously for displaying exemplary courage in an anti-terrorist operation in Srinagar, killing three terrorists.
The parade was commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, while Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, was the Parade Second-in-Command.
There were 16 marching contingents with each contingent comprising 96 soldiers instead of the usual 144 due to Covid-19. Four marching contingents represented different Central Armed Police Force organisations.
The six Indian Army marching contingents, including the Rajput Regiment, the Assam Regiment, the Jammu & Kashmir Light Regiment, the Sikh Light Regiment, the Army Ordnance Corps and the Parachute Regiment, displayed the decade by decade evolution of uniforms and weapons of Indian Army over the past 75 years.
The Rajput Regiment contingent wore the uniform of Indian Army of 1947 and carried .303 Rifle, the Assam Regiment contingent wore 1962 uniform and carried .303 Rifles and the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment contingent wore uniform of 1971 and carried 7.62mm self-loading Rifle.
The contingent of the Sikh Light Regiment and the Army Ordnance Corps were shown in the present day uniform with 5.56mm INSAS Rifles.
The main attraction among the marching contingents was the Parachute Regiment contingent donning the new combat uniform of Indian Army that was unveiled recently on Army Day. The commandos were carrying 5.56mm x 45mm TAVOR Rifles.
Among the tableaux, 12 States/Union Territories and nine Ministries/ Departments displayed their tableaux on various themes under the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
The Indian Navy tableau showcased the naval uprising of 1846, which contributed in India's struggle for Independence.
The IAF tableau showcased model of the Gnat aircraft used in 1971 war with Pakistan on a 50 feet long tractor along with a MiG 21, an LCH and Rafale aircraft. The Gnat aircraft showed such dominance over the Pakistani Saber jets that it was also nicknamed as the 'Saber Slayer'. The theme of the tableau was 'IAF transforming for the future'.
The DRDO displayed two tableaux, titled 'Suite of Indigenously Developed Sensors, Weapons and Electronic Warfare Systems for LCA Tejas' and 'Air Independent Propulsion System' developed for the submarines of Indian Navy.
The weapons and equipment shown during the Republic Day parade were a mix of vintage as well as state of the art indigenous weapons.
Among the tableau by states, the Jammu & Kashmir tableau was based on theme 'changing face of Jammu and Kashmir' showcasing Vaishno Devi temple, AIIMS, IIM, IIT etc established in the state.
The UP tableau showcased Kashi Vishwanath Dham's glorious history. The front portion of the tableau showed products from each district while the central part showed the culture of sadhus and priests offering arghya to the sun at various ghats of Varanasi. In the rear portion, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham was displayed.
Arunachal Pradesh tableau on the theme 'Anglo-Abor (Adi) War' depicted the frontier state's patriotism, bravery and rich cultural heritage.
The Education ministry's tableau showcased National Education Policy with the theme 'Vedas to Metaverse'.
The tableau depicted ancient as well as modern education side by side. Cultural performances by 480 dancers chosen through an all-India dance competition 'Vande Bharatam' enthralled the audience. For the first time the dance groups during the parade were chosen based on all India level competition.
Stunts by BSF's all women motorcycle team Seema Bhawani and the daredevil bikers contingent of the ITBP also left the spectators by surprise.
Due to the increasing cases of Covid-19 in New Delhi, the celebration was relatively a low-key affair in terms of presence on Rajpath this year.
The number of seats for spectators was significantly reduced this year and people were encouraged to register on the MyGov portal, to witness the live celebrations online. (UNI)
