Republic Day 2022: 13 Interesting Facts About Republic Day Parade That You Must Know!

India gained independence in 1947 after being ruled for 200 years. On January 26, 1950, the country was designated a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic,' two years later. Today, the country commemorates Republic Day with splendor and pageantry. The President of India presides over the Republic Day Celebrations at Rajpath, as millions watch the event live on television. 

We are taught about our struggle for freedom, independence, the formulation and adoption of the Indian Constitution, and our government as history and civics are an important element of the Indian education curriculum.

This year India is celebrating its 73^rd Republic Day, on this note today, Krishi Jagran bring to you a collection of fascinating Republic Day Facts that will surely educate you.

• As we all know, the parade is organized every year on January 26th at Rajpath in New Delhi, but did you know that from 1950 to 1954, Rajpath was not the event's organizational center? The 26th January parade was staged at Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium), Kingsway, Red Fort, and Ramleela Maidan, respectively, throughout these years. Since AD 1955, Rajpath has been the permanent venue of the 26th January parade. At the time, Rajpath was referred to as 'Kingsway.' 

• The Prime Minister, President, or ruler of any country is invited as a guest to the 26th January parade every year. The first parade was held on January 26, 1950, with Indonesian President Dr. Sukarno as a guest. The Governor-General of Pakistan, Malik Ghulam Mohammad, was invited to the first parade at Rajpath in 1955. 

Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President of Brazil, was the Chief Guest at India's 71st Republic Day celebrations in 2020. 

• The President's entrance on January 26th kicks off the parade event. First, the President's cavalier bodyguards salute the National Flag, followed by the playing of the National Anthem and the firing of 21 guns. But did you know that 21 canons aren't used to fire? Instead, the Indian army's 7- cannons, known as "25- Ponders," are employed to fire three rounds. 

• The firing of the gun salute coincides with the playing of the National Anthem, which is an unusual feature. The first shot is fired at the opening of the National Anthem, and the last shot is fired 52 seconds later. These cannons were built in 1941 and are used in all of the army's formal programs. 

• By 2 a.m., the parade participants get ready and arrive at the Rajpath by 3 a.m. However, the parade's preparations begin in July of the preceding year, when all of the participants are formally notified of their participation. They will practice parades at their respective regiment centers till August, and will be in Delhi by December. Before publicly performing on the 26th of January, the participants had already trained for 600 hours.

   

• All of the Tanks, Armored Vehicles, and sophisticated equipment demonstrating India's military might are housed in a dedicated camp near the India Gate. The inquiry process for each Cannon and the whitewashing job is usually completed in ten stages, however this time it may be different.

• From the beginning to the end, every activity in the parade event on January 26th is meticulously planned. As a result, even the tiniest inaccuracy and the shortest delay could cost heavily to the organizers.

• Every army personnel that takes part in the parade must go through 4 levels of investigation. Apart from that, their arms are extensively inspected to guarantee they are not carrying live bullets.

• The song "Abide with me," is played at every Republic Day parade event, as it was Mahatma Gandhi’s Favorite song. 

• Each group covers a distance of 12 kilometers in preparation for the march on the 26th of January, but only 9 kilometers on the actual parade day. Judges are stationed across the parade route, judging each participating group on 200 parameters and awarding the title of "Best Marching Group" based on their judgement.

• The "flypast" is the most fascinating aspect of the event. The Western Airforce Command is in charge of the "flypast," which entails the participation of roughly 41 aircraft. The parade's aircraft take off from several Airforce centres and arrive at Rajpath at a fixed time.

• The parade's tableaux move at a speed of about 5 km/hr. so that key individuals can keep a close eye on them. You will be surprised to know that the drivers of these tableaux drive them through a small window. Twelve states and union territories, as well as nine ministries and departments, have been chosen to participate in the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2022. Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are among them.

• Army personnel march in the parade using indigenously made INSAS rifles, while Special Security Forces march with Tavor rifles made in Israel. It's possible that this time it may be different.

• According to information obtained through the RTI, a total of Rs 320 crore was spent on the parade in 2014. This cost was estimated to be around 145 crores in 2001. In this way, from 2001 to 2014, the amount spent on the 26th January parade climbed by 54.51%.

Republic Day is a significant milestone in India's history, a time when we celebrate our superiority. Let us take a moment to honor our country's magnificent constitution. Here’s Krishi Jagran wishing every Indian a Happy Republic Day!