Facts You Must-Know About Republic Day Parade 2022

Dear readers,

Wish you all a very happy 73rd Republic Day. 

A day where the whole family sits together, eyes glued to the television broadcasting the iconic parade in New Delhi. The Republic Day parade begins with the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by the President of India, followed by a pride march by several regiments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with their marching bands. A roar of cheers lifts the spirit in the atmosphere when tableaux from one’s own state signifying the culture and tradition marches on the parade ground.

Each year, the Republic Day parade brings in us a sense of pride and freedom. It was on this day in 1950 that India declared itself a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state with the adoption of the constitution. 

While enjoying the sense of pride that this parade brings in each year, have you ever wondered why republic day is celebrated with a march? Why do the armed forces showcase their competency? What is the purpose of tableaux in each state? And who gets awarded on such a day by the President?

Let’s understand a bit about the Republic Day and the big parade.

Why do we have a Republic Day?

When India got its independence from British Rule on 15 August 1947, a need was felt for the country to have its own constitution. A committee was set to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar as its chairman. It was a huge document which laid down procedures, powers, duties, fundamental rights and directive principles of the Government of India and the Indian citizens. (You must have heard that our Indian constitution runs on the principles ‘of the people, for the people and by the people’ which signifies that the power is vested in the hands of the Indian citizen.) The committee drafted the constitution and submitted it to the Constituent Assembly, which adopted the constitution. After making some modifications, the constitution finally came into effect on 26 January 1950. It was on this very day when Dr Rajendra Prasad began his first term of office as the first President of India. 

Also Read: Facts About The Indian Constitution

What is a Republic Day parade?

Every year on 26 January, you see a colourful and spectacular parade marching from the Rastrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) along Rajpath, to India Gate and from there to Red Fort with much pomp and glory. Marching a distance of roughly 8 kilometres, the parade is to celebrate our democratic ethos and faith in constitutional values. Be it the display of discipline by the army battalions, the colourful tableaux from the states, or the breathtaking formations of military aircraft, the Indian guts, grit, and glory are on full display. 

Who conducts the Republic Day Parade and why?

The President of India conducts this parade each year, while the Minister of Defence arranges it. Guests from other countries visit India to witness the beautiful march that lasts for about 90 minutes.  

Apart from the official parade, the flag hoisting and the cultural shows, the Republic Day program also pays tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country. The President of India confers bravery awards on military persons, citizenry and children for showing courage in the face of adversity. 

While you have been enjoying the Republic Day parade for all these years, did you know that a Republic day ceremony lasts for three days, ending the ceremony with Beating The Retreat on 29 January? Here are seven facts you need to know about the Republic Day Parade.

1. Rajpath was not the organising centre for the parade from 1950 to 1954. The first few venues for the parade were Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium), Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila Maidan.
2. When the first parade was held in Rajpath in 1955, The Governor-General of Pakistan, Malik Ghulam Muhammad, was invited.
3. While the national Anthem is sung to signal the start of the parade, 21 guns are sounded as salutes. However, the firing is not done with 21 cannons. Instead, 7 cannons of the Indian army, which are known as ‘25-Ponders’, are used for the firing in 3 rounds.
4. The entire Republic Day celebration is a musical affair, with several songs played throughout the parade. Most songs change, but one, which remains constant year after year is a Christian hymn ‘Abide With Me’, which was apparently a favourite song of Mahatma Gandhi. 
5. The preparation for the parade begins in July of the previous year, where the participants practice the parade at their related regiment centres and reach Delhi by December. During their final rehearsal, each group covers a distance of 12 kilometres while on the day of the main event, they cover only 9 kilometres. Judges are seated all through the way of the parade, who judge every participating group based on 200 parameters and award the title of ‘best marching group’ to the winner. 
6. During the Republic Day, Padma awards are given by the President to the selected civilians for their bravery and distinguished services. These awards are classified into three different categories:
   • Padma Vibhushan
   • Padma Bhushan
   • Padma Shree
7. The Indian Beating Retreat marks the official ending of the three-day ceremony. Bands of three wings of the Indian military – the army, navy and the air force conducts the Beating Retreat.

Republic Day parade in front of India Gate

Republic Day Parade in 2022

Unlike other years, there will be a big change in the Republic Day parade in 2022. Because of the ongoing pandemic (and new COVID-19 variant) the Republic Day parade will be toned down in terms of the number of spectators, the size of marching contingents, and other side attractions. Approximately 24,000 people will be allowed to attend the Republic Day parade as opposed to 1.25 lakh people who attended in 2020. 

This will also shorten the program by ending the parade at National Stadium, instead of marching up to the Red Fort and tableaux performing at the Red Fort. 

Marking 75 years of Indian Independence, the National Gallery of Modern Art will display 750-metre-long scrolls depicting stories of valour in the Freedom Struggle on the Rajpath.

Did you notice any of these changes? Which was your favourite part in the Republic Day parade? Do tell us in the comments below.

Liked this story? Read more interesting stories in the Learning Tree blog.

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