Republic Day Parade: This year’s many firsts

EGYPT’S MARCHING CONTINGENT
An Egyptian contingent marched down Kartavya Path, in honour of the chief guest of this year’s parade, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. It consisted of 144 soldiers representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

DRONE SHOW

The concluding event will feature a unique drone show. The government is organising a 3,000-drone show at the beating retreat ceremony, which officials described as one of the largest in the world.

REVAMPED CENTRAL VISTA BUT LESS PEOPLE
The parade took place at a fully revamped Central Vista. It included new comfortable seating for spectators, though the number of people physically present at the function was reduced to around 44,000, from over one lakh people in the past.

E INVITATIONS
Physical invitation cards for guests and tickets for spectators replaced with e-invitation. A special portal was created to dispense all cards, including for associated functions like the beating retreat ceremony.

BOSE ANNIVERSARY AND MILITARY TATTOO
This year’s celebrations commenced on the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, on January 23. To celebrate the occasion, the defence ministry organised a special Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance festival named ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka’ in the capital.

IL 38'5 FIRST AND LAST FLIGHT OVER KARTAVYA PATH
The flypast for the parade included an IL 38 Sea Dragon aircraft of the Indian Navy for the first and last time. The maritime reconnaissance and attack aircraft has been in service for over four decades and is now being retired, with the Navy acquiring new P81 aircraft with longer range, endurance and a quantum leap in capabilities.

AGNIVEER PARTICIPATION
The parade saw participation by short-service soldiers, named as Agniveers. The Indian Navy contingent had six Agniveers who are currently undergoing training prior to induction. The Navy contingent also included three women, including Lt Cdr Disha Amrith who was contingent commander.