Masked contingents, shorter route, Rafale jets — rehearsals set stage for 72nd R-Day parade

This year, the 72nd Republic Day parade will be different with strict Covid-19 regulations. There will be less number of spectators, children below 15 won't be allowed.

Two contingents of NCC cadets, one each of boys and girls, will participate in the Republic Day Parade on 26 January | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

New Delhi: Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January this year will be unlike any other in the past.

The 72nd Republic Day parade, which is an annual showcase of India’s military might and cultural heritage, will take place with strict guidelines and without a chief guest. There will be less number of spectators, a shorter parade, and children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to attend. There will also be no standing spectators, and strict distancing and masking protocols will be followed at all times.

ThePrint’s photojournalist Suraj Singh Bisht captured the rehearsal for this year’s Republic Day parade on the Rajpath Wednesday.

An Indian Navy officer walks across Rajpath during the Republic Day parade rehearsal Wednesday | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The Indian Navy band practises during Republic Day rehearsal | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Bangladesh armed forces’ contingent at the Republic Day parade rehearsal. The tri-service marching contingent and ceremonial band will participate in this year’s parade to commemorate 50 years of Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Indian Air Force officers getting ready for the rehearsal | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles contingent during the parade rehearsal Wednesday. All contingents could be seen marching wearing masks. | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent at the Republic Day parade rehearsal | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), an elite anti-terrorism unit, practises its steps Wednesday | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Delhi Police personnel at the Republic Day parade rehearsal | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The India Navy contingent | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The Border Security Force’s camel contingent has been part of the Republic Day parade for the past 66 years. | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The Republic Day parade is also a showcase of the country’s military might with tanks, missiles and fighter jets on display | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

An Indian Army tank during the Republic Day parade rehearsal Wednesday | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Rafale fighter jets will make a debut at the Republic Day parade this year | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint