India woke up Friday morning to honor their constitution which came into effect in 1950. India is treated to firsts especially in Delhi at the Rajpath where citizens flocked to witness a one in a kind parade. Friday morning was graced by patriotic messages on social media from all political divides as if the country was once again united. The BJP tweeted Republic Day wishes to the nation, Congress President Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to the nation to remind it of its commitment to the Constitution while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted a good morning message to the people.

Different regions unfurled the tricolor to commemorate the distinctive day. The president, Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the National flag at around 10:00 AM then ensued the national anthem followed by a 21 gun salute.

Unique Events for Republic Day

As all business usual, the 69th Republic Day celebration exhibits some unique events. It is common to invite one foreign leader as India’s guest but far from tradition, uniquely this year 10 ASEAN foreign leaders are treated as the chief guests of the celebration; a move geared towards underlining India’s ties with South-Eastern Asian Countries. They are seated together with Narendra and the President at the main stage enclosed with 100-feet bulletproof glass, three times bigger than the one in 2017.

More than 700 students from guest nations were also invited and present to grace the occasion at Rajpath. This year is marked with new entrants to participate in the Rajpath parades. All-India Radio float for the first time led the show. Tableaus from over 14 states, union territories, and nine ministries marched through the ceremony. The ASEAN leaders were honored with a unique Tableau to mark 25 years of close association with India.

Guests at the parade were also treated to the first motorcycle all woman stunt and acrobatic show. The 113 biking contingent, Seema Bhavani is India Border Force Security (BSF) who seemed so skilled on the 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles.

Other new participants comprised of Tableaus from the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and India’s Income Tax Department. The highlight of the celebrations was treated to India’s Air Force air show comprised of 21 fighters, 12 pristine helicopters, five transporters and the new Rudra attack helicopter that has just joined the IAF fleet.

 

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