Bengaluru gears up for confluence of culture and colour on Republic Day

Bengaluru: A grand spectacle of patriotism and cultural diversity is set to unfold at the 76th Republic Day celebrations at the Manekshaw Parade Ground, Bengaluru, on Sunday.

A strong contingent of 38 groups, featuring thousands of participants, will take part in the event, showcasing India’s rich heritage and unity.

The parade will include 10 armed and six unarmed platoons, along with Bengaluru’s canine squad. Schoolchildren and representatives from two charitable trusts, Ramana Maharshi and Samarthanam for the visually impaired, will also participate in the march past. Notably, a police contingent from Kerala will join the celebrations.

Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot will hoist the tricolour at 9 am, inspect the guard of honour, and deliver his Republic Day address. Officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, and Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha G, will also be present. The parade will begin at 9.30 am, followed by a series of cultural performances.

Cultural highlights

The cultural events promise an exciting array of performances, including the Khukri Dance by the 4/8 Gorkha Rifles, the Bhangra Punjabi Folk Dance, and Gatka, a traditional martial art performed by soldiers from Punjab.

The Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) team will demonstrate ‘tent pegging,’ while the Internal Security Division team will showcase a ‘Bus Intervention Demo’.

A special performance, 'Naavellaru Onde, Naavu Bharateeyaru', featuring 800 students from the Karnataka Public School in Agara, will highlight national unity. Additionally, 650 students from the BBMP Samyukta Pre-University College will perform Arive Ambedkar, paying homage to Dr BR Ambedkar’s legacy.

The parade will include contingents from the KSRP, City Armed Reserve (CAR), Bengaluru Traffic Police, dog squad, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts and Guides, Seva Dal, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Home Guards.

Security measures

The Bengaluru police have implemented extensive security arrangements for the event.

Eight Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) will oversee the security, supported by 17 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), 44 Police Inspectors (PIs), 114 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs), 58 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), 551 Police Constables (PCs), 80 women officers, and 149 plainclothes personnel.

Emergency resources include 10 KSRP vehicles, two fire service vehicles, two ambulances, one Quick Reaction Team (QRT) vehicle, one D-SWAT unit, and one Riot Intervention Vehicle (RIV). The venue and surrounding areas will be monitored through 103 CCTV cameras.

Traffic restrictions

Traffic diversions will be in place from 8.30 am to 10.30 am on Cubbon Road between BRV Junction and Kamaraj Road Junction.

Vehicles from Infantry Road towards Manipal Centre should take Infantry Road to Safina Plaza, turn left to Main Guard Cross Road, and proceed via Alice Circle, Dispensary Road, and Kamaraj Road to reach Cubbon Road Junction.
Vehicles from Manipal Junction towards BRV Junction on Cubbon Road will be stopped at Manipal Centre. Drivers can take a right at Webbs Junction, proceed along MG Road, turn right at Anil Kumble Circle, and then head towards BRV Junction via Central Street.

No parking zone

Central Street (from Anil Kumble Circle to Shivajinagar bus stand)

Cubbon Road (from CTO Circle to KR Road and Cubbon Road Junction)

MG Road from Anil Kumble Circle to Queens Circle (both sides)

Restricted items at venue  

• Matchbox and cigarettes   

• Sharp objects and knifes

• Black clothing 

• Eatables 

• Video and still cameras

• Alcohol and water bottles

• Crackers and explosives

All attendees must be seated by 8 am and the gates will close by 8.30 am.