Grandest flypast, 500 artists portraying unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, Subhash Bose’s birth anniversary: this time Rajpath will feature Indian achievements in unique ways.

The Central Vista has been redeveloped, giving Rajpath a whole new look. and is all set to be groomed in the next few days for full dress rehearsal, sources said. Bleachers with foldable chairs have been introduced along Rajpath for the first time, which allows visitors to have a better view of the parade. Those who watch from home will have the best view, of course.

What will be especially eye-catching this time is two gigantic scrolls about 1-km long created by more than 500 artists, which will be displayed in an open gallery. The scrolls depicting unsung heroes of the freedom struggle were created during workshops as part of National Gallery of Modern Art’s recent Kala Kumbhs, in Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar. 

This year’s flypast will be the ‘largest and grandest’ with 75 aircraft and 7 new Rafale fighters to mark Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations. Five Rafales will fly in Vinaash formation, the sixth will be part of Baaz formation along with 2 Jaguars, two MiG-29s and two Sukhoi-30 MKI jets, and the seventh fighter will fly solo in Vijay formation. Both Navy aircraft and Army helicopters along with IAF tableau will pay homage to some crucial battles of the 1971 war.

This year 36 teams of dancers have been selected to perform during the Republic Day parade. Seema Bhawani, Border Security Force’s all-women biker team will present daredevil stunts for the second time in a row. Besides, Armoured Combat Vehicles (AFV), daredevil bikers, BSF’s camel contingent and Special Forces Commandos have been rehearsing for the parade. 

After the Prime Minister visits the National War Memorial, tableaus will be presented representing cultural and economic progress. To prevent crowding in the time of Covid, 5,000-8,000 spectators have been issued tickets and there will be foldable chairs to seat them.

For the first time, the Republic Day parade is delayed by 30 minutes. Homage to martyred security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir will be paid before the parade. The operation of sub-conventional aerial platforms, including UAVs, paragliders and hot air balloons over the national capital has been prohibited from January 20 in view of the Republic Day celebration to provide safety to general public and dignitaries, said the Delhi Police. The police installed a facial recognition system (FRS) and over 300 CCTV’s ahead of the parade.