In view of the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital on Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a forecast predicting a ‘partly cloudy sky and shallow fog in the morning’.
The maximum temperature will remain between 18-20 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature will be between 8-10 degrees Celsius.
Not many people are aware that when the Constitution of India was signed by 284 Constituent Assembly members on January 24, 1950, it was drizzling outside. The showers were interpreted as a sign of a good omen.
India witnessed precipitation during Republic Day in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
This year’s Republic Day will largely be ‘women-centric’ with the central theme of India’s democracy and its resolve to become a developed nation.
In a first, the parade will be heralded by 100 women artists with Indian musical instruments, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said on Friday to the news agency, PTI.
The parade will also witness an all-women tri-services contingent marching down the ceremonial boulevard for the first time, and the central armed police forces contingents will also consist of women personnel, he said. “The best representation of women will be seen in this year’s Republic Day parade,” the defence secretary said.
Another special feature of the 75th Republic Day is that the 95-member marching team and 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade.
Along with the aircraft of the Indian Air Force, one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air Force will participate in the fly-past, Aramane said.
French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. “With the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat — Loktantra ki Matruka’, the 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26 will be women-centric,” he said.
In another unique initiative, the Ministry of Culture will be showcasing the ‘Anant Sutra — The Endless Thread’ textile installation at Kartavya Path. It will be installed behind the spectators seated in the enclosures. Anant Sutra is a visually stunning tribute to the saree, India’s timeless gift to the world of fashion.
Around 13,000 “special guests” have also been invited to witness the parade this year. The defense secretary said the objective is to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to take part in the national festival, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’.
The defence secretary said the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony at Vijay Chowk on January 29 will witness all Indian tunes to mark the culmination of 75th Republic Day celebrations. “The tunes will be played by bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and central armed police forces before a distinguished audience,” he said.
(with PTI inputs)
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