Republic Day 2019: All you need to know
The original date of Indian independence, 26 January, ultimately chosen as the first Republic Day returns again, promising to be even more spectacular as the constitution ages to become a septuagenarian.
This year too will be more or less follow the same routine, albeit with a few differences. DH previews everything to expect from this year’s parade.
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DH's Republic Day Coverage
In anticipation of the 70th Republic Day celebrations, DH has been reporting on R-Day preparations and everything else making the news. Scroll up and check out some of our coverage.
India's first National War Memorial is ready
The iconic and grandiose India Gate vista is all set to change permanently as the National War Memorial is now ready for inauguration.
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R-Day flower show: Gandhi comes alive to curb littering
The idea behind having Mahatma Gandhi as the theme ofthis year’s Republic Day flower showis to curb littering at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the venue of the annual event.
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Kalasa tribal leader gets R-Day invite
Krishnappa, a member Gowdalu tribal community and a resident of Bedakki, has been invited to witness the prestigious Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.
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IAF to fly an aircraft on biofuel on Republic Day
On Republic Day, the IAF will create history by flying an AN-32 transport aircraft on biofuel over the Rajpath.
Militant-turned-soldier to receive Ashok Chakra
In a fascinating story of turn-around, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who shunned militancy in Jammu and Kashmir nearly two decades to join the Indian Army, was posthumously awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra.
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Six Karnataka children get Bal Shakti Purushkar
Six children from Karnataka received Bal Shakti Puruskar from President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday.Under the institution's category, Rangakahale got Bal Kalyan Puruskar from the President for its contributions in child welfare and development.
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Cloud cover expected on Republic Day
Delhites, who would assemble at the India Gate on Saturday braving the early morning chills may miss the most enthralling part of the Republic Day parade – the magnificent flypast by the Indian Air Force.
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Govt honours 855 police officers for their services
Three constables of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), awarded the President's Police Medal for Gallantry posthumously, were among the 885 police personnel from across the country who were honoured by the government for their distinguished services on the eve of the Republic Day.
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Modi, Ramaphosa to unveil India-SA action plan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are likely to announce on Friday a plan of action for New Delhi and Pretoria to step up cooperation in defence, energy, education and internal security over the next three years.
Himachal Pradesh: Visual of rehearsal for Republic Day parade held in Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district ahead of 26 January.
Photographs of Awardees (Source: PIB)
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has approved the award of one Ashok Chakra, two Kirti Chakras and nine Shaurya Chakras to the Indian Army personnel on the occasion of Republic Day 2019 which has been included in the list of citations.
Camel mounted Border Security Force (BSF) contingent march during the rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)
We must understand, adopt and implement Gandhiji's principles as we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary: Prez Kovind
This Independence Day is important for us in a special way. On Oct 2, we'll celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Not only for India, but this anniversary is also an opportunity for the entire world to understand, adopt and implement his principles.
This year citizens born in 21st century will vote for first time in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections
The 'Indian model' of pluralism rests on a tripod of diversity, democracy and development: Prez Kovind
Prez urges people to vote during LS polls
With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday gave a clarion call to people to perform the "sacred act" of voting, emphasising this year's polls should be seen as a "once-in-a-century moment" that will shape the India of the remainder of the 21st century.
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President of India Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation on the eve of 70th Republic Day
R-Day: Prez urges people to vote during LS polls in customary address to the nation
In his customary address to the nation on the eve of the 70th Republic Day, the President said development of the country cannot be completed without a salute to the "spirit of inclusiveness and pluralism which rests on a"tripod of diversity, democracy and development".
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R-Day: 25k security personnel deployed across Delhi
Around 25,000 security personnel were deployed across the city and security beefed up at strategic locations in central Delhi, which were on the target of two arrested terrorists planning strikes during the Republic Day, police said on Friday.
'Beating The Retreat' ceremony at Attari-Wagah border on the eve of Republic Day 2019
Prez lauds EC, says use of tech in polls helps
President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that modern technologies greatly helped conduct the elections in the large and geographically diverse country like India.
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Govt announces Padma awards 2019
Five eminent persons from Karnataka, including scientist Rohini Godbole and dancer-actor Prabhu Deva, were among 113 people were chosen for the Padma awards on the eve of Republic Day.
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Mumbai's CST Railway Terminus Illuminated on the Eve of Republic Day
Visuals from Lalbagh Republic Day Flower Show in Bengaluru
More than 3500 students gathered to create large portraits of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev
Sudarshan Pattnaik Makes Sand Sculpture on Republic Day
Delhi Traffic Police Issues Advisory to Commuters
No state cops in Prez medal list, thanks to govt apathy
The JD(S)-Congress coalition government is so busy keeping its flock together that it has completely forgotten to send the list of police personnel selected for the President’s Medal to the Centre.
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Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh and Dr Bhupen Hazarika chosen for Bharat Ratna
Former President Pranab Mukherjee, Sangh ideologue Nanaji Deshmukh and music maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika (the latter two posthumously) were on Friday has been chosen for Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.
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Big boost to India, S Africa ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday agreed to strengthen ties between the two nations, as the two governments inked a three-year “Strategic Programme of Cooperation”.
Crowds gather
Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan hoists tricolour 9 in Vijayawada.
R-Day gallantry awards announced
Half a dozen men from the Indian Air Force and Navy are among the winners of the gallantry awards for their heroics during the Kerala flood.
BJP President Amit Shah unfurls the tricolour at the party office in Delhi
PM Modi Tweets Wishes on Republic Day
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal at R-Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar.
A woman attired in the hues of the Tricolour poses in the backdrop of the Taj Mahal, ahead of Republic Day, in Agra, Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. (PTI Photo)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus ( CST) illuminated in tricolour on the eve of Republic Day, in Mumbai, Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. (PTI Photo)
A security personnel walks in front of the illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace on the eve of India's Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, India, January 25, 2019. REUTERS
IAF Skydive team Akashganga members made a National record
Google doodle features Rashtrapati Bhavan
Search giant Google on Saturday dedicated a special doodle to mark India's 70th Republic Day, which captured the country's architectural and cultural legacy as well as its rich bio-diversity. The doodle with a 3D impression depicts the iconic facade of the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan in the backdrop, flanked by trees, reflecting the flora and fauna that resides on its sprawling campus.
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PM Modi and others greet people on Republic Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on the country's 70th Republic Day on Saturday. Several other leaders also took to social media to extend their greetings on the occasion.
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UP CM Adityanath at Republic Day Celebrations in Lucknow
PM pays homage to martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti
Ram Nath Kovind arriving with massive security
The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind is being escorted by 46 Bodyguards on bay and dark bay coloured horses mounts.
Raised in 1773, the President’s Bodyguard is the oldest and senior-most Regiment of the Indian Army.The President’s Bodyguard is unique and distinct amongst all Regiments not only in India but also in the whole world. The personnel of the Regiment are handpicked, all of them at least six feet tall. Besides performing ceremonial duties for the President, the officers and men of the Bodyguards are trained horsemen, paratroopers and tank-men. A Kannadiga, Colonel Bommanda Dhiraj Chengappa on his mount Virat is the Commandant of the Regiment. He is on the right of the President’s car.
PM Modi received by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The Parade Commander is Lt Gen Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area.
An interesting anecdote about him is Lt Gen Asit Mistry was the first officer to be commissioned in 12 Maratha Light Infantry, whichhe later commanded.
The first contingent in the uniform is 61 Cavalry.
The first contingent in the uniform is 61 Cavalry. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse Cavalry Regiment in the world. The Regiment was raised on August 1, 1953, with the amalgamation of six State Forces Cavalry Units.
The first part of the flypast after the mechanised columns. Two Rudra (weaponized advanced lightweight helicopter) and two Dhruv helicopters (standard ALH) flying in Diamond formation by the Army Aviation
First marching contingent from the Madras Regiment.Other regiments are from 9th battalions of Rajputana Rifles, 2nd Battalion of the Sikh Regiment and Gorkha Brigade.The next contingent is of the Army Service Corps (ASC), which is led by Lady officer Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi of 508 ASC Batallion.
An interesting first - This is maiden attendance of the Gorkha Brigade combining all the 7 Gorkha regiments. Previously individual regiments took part in the R-Day parade, but the participation of the brigade happening for the first time under Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, who is the president of the brigade.
Indian military vehicles and army contingents march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Saturday. (AFP Photo)
Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal - four Indian National Army (INA) veterans, who were part of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's Azad Hind marches down the central boulevard. This is the first time INA veterans in the Republic Day parade.
The mechanised column comprises of T-90 tank (Bhisma), BMP-II, Surface mine Clearing System. Then comes Indian Army's latest acquisition M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers and K-9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm / 52 Calibre, Tracked, Self Propelled Howitzer
Major Khusboo Kanwar is leading the contingent of Assam Rifles
The all-women contingent of the Assam Rifles. Major Khusboo Kanwar is leading the contingent of Assam Rifles, which is fielding the all women marching contingent for the first time.
BSF's Camel Mounted Band of the BSF is the only one of its kind in the world
Under the command of Deputy Commandant Kuldeep Choudhary, the regal camels of the BSF or ‘Ships of the Desert’ are dependable companions in the inhospitable terrains of Rajasthan and the Rann of Kutch. The camel-mounted troops have been instrumental in successfully tracking down notorious smugglers and extremists in the Rajasthan and Gujarat frontiers. Interestingly, all the personnel in the contingent are more than six feet tall and sport similarly styled moustaches.
It may surprise many to note that there are over 75 different dress items that are necessary to ceremonially dress camels
and riders of the BSF. Young male camels of around five years of age are selected after a formal veterinary inspection
and they serve the force for about 15 years.
Tamil Nadu tableau depicts transformation of the dress code of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi made a radical change in his attire on September 22, 1921, at Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It so happened that on
the previous day, while travelling from Madras to Madurai, he saw scantily clad peasants and poor people working in the farms and doing other manual work. He was highly disturbed on seeing the poverty-stricken people with no clothes to cover the upper part of their bodies This brought about a transformation that night when he decided to shed his formal clothes and wear only a loincloth. He made his first appearance with the loincloth on September 22, 1921, from a building in the crowded West Masi Street in Madurai. This building at Door No 25/1A houses a Khadi Craft Store now.
K'taka showcases Belgaum INC session at R-Day parade
The 1924 Belgaum (now Belgavi) session of the Indian National Congress – the only Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi – will feature in Karnataka’s tableau that will roll down the Rajpath on the Republic Day.
Delhi tableau showcases Gandhiji's long association with Delhi and the Birla House
Delhi tableau showcases Gandhiji's long association with Delhi and the Birla House, which is now known as Gandhi Smriti. Between 1915 and 1948 he visited Delhi eighty times and stayed for 720 days in the city of which, the last 144 days of his life were spent at the Birla house where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Stunts entertain crowds at parade
Leading the Dare Devils is their leader Captain Manpreet Singh, who is saluting smartly from a 12.5 feet ladder. This is the first time in the history where he is beating his own record of saluting from a ladder of 8 ft. One of the daredevils speeding down the Rajpath is Captain Shikha Surabhi who is saluting the President while standing atop the seat of her motorcycle. The stunts on the motor cycles ends 33 Dare Devils on nine motorcycles making a Human Pyramid in an astonishing display of daring pushing the limits of machine and human endurance.
Fly past begins
Air display begins with Rudra formation, comprising three ALH Mk IV weaponsied helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation. Three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Inducted in the IAF in 2011, the Super Hercules is a very versatile tactical transport aircraft optimized for special operations and gained fame for its high altitude operations from Leh and Daulat Beg Oldi - India's highest airfield. Followed by Sutlej formation by AN-32, IAF's workhorse transport aircraft. Netra formation by indigenous airborne radar, flanked by two Su-30 MKI.Now comes the Globe formation - one C-17 Globemaster flanked by 2 Su-30 MKI. Inducted in 2014. The C-17 is a heavy lift, long range strategic aircraft that can carry 75 tonnes of load.
And the Grand Finale: Vertical Charlie by a lone Su-30MKI
Group Captain Harpreet Luthra flew at a speed of 900 km/hr splitting the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’ in which the aircraft spins on its own axis. A befitting salute to the IAF motto: “Nabha Sparsham Deeptam”.
Live feed from Doordarshan News
The parade comes to a close
Bodyguards have come to take the President back to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. All the tableau will be kept outside the Red Fort for the next three days for the general public to see.
President Ram Nath Kovind, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with his wife Tshepo Motsepe, First Lady Savita Kovind, Vice President M.Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries wave at the crowd as they leave after attending the 70thRepublicDaycelebrations at Rajpath, in New Delhi, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019. (PTI Photo)