Due to Covid, the number of troops in marching contingents in the Republic Day parade has been reduced from 144 to 96. They will be seen marching in 12 rows and eight columns
The COVID impact
This year, the parade has been shortened for the marching contingents to National Stadium which earlier used to conclude at Red Fort
Parade Shortened
The Republic Day parade which starts from Raisina Hills and goes through Rajpath, India Gate till Red Fort would now only go up to the National Stadium
The pathways
The Republic Day parade this year will start 30 minutes late from its scheduled time of 10 am. The parade will commence at 10.30 am instead
The changed timings
There will be 8 contingents of the Indian Armed Forces in the Republic Day Parade, which will include 6 contingents of Army, one each from Air Force and the Nav
The armed forces
A "unique" mix of vintage and new equipment will be seen in the mechanised column. You will see PT-76 and Centurion tanks followed by main battle tank Arjun.
The equipments
Total 16 marching contingents would be there. 8 from Indian Armed Forces, 4 of central Armed Police Force, 2 of NCC and one each of Delhi Police and NSS
Total marching contingents
There will be two motor-cycle formations. The women's team will be of BSF and men's team will be of ITBP. 75 aircraft of the Indian Air Force in 15 formations will do a flypast
Motor Cycle formations
A projection mapping with laser would be done on the wall of the North and South block. It will be followed by a drone show in which 1,000 drones will take part
New things at beating retreat