1200 children contingent for Republic Day

New Delhi, Jan 16: More than a thousand school children would participate in this year's Republic Day Parade function at the historic Rajpath here.

The cultural pageant of students, comprising of girls and boys, would be led by a band contingent playing the 'Ek Tara' tune and followed by standard-bearers holding flags of the country's various regions.

A dance, invoking millions of children deprived of education to 'begin anew' with the first rays of the sun and join the mainstream, would be the highlight of children's show.

Other presentations to be made by the nearly 1,200-strong student contingent is the 'shaan-e-watan' dance depicting the importance of national flag and the 'kathputli' dance which showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, traffic restrictions have been imposed for the rehearsals being held for the Republic Day Parade on January 17, 18, 20, and 21, between 0900-1200 hrs.

Traffic on Vijay Chowk shall remain closed from morning on both sides, North and South of Vijay Chowk till the departure of the last contingent.

Those working in North Block and South Block are requested to advance their journey to offices by an hour to avoid inconvenience.

Motorists are requested to avoid crossing Rajpath from 0900 hrs till departure of Parade on Rafi Marg, Janpath and Man Singh Road and instead move via Ring Road, Ashram Chowk, Sarai Kale Khan, IP Flyover and Rajghat.

The route via Lajpat Rai Marg-Mathura Road-Bhairon Road-Ring Road and Aurobindo Marg-Safdarjung Road-Safdarjung Chowk-Kamal Attaturk Marg-Kautilya Marg-Mother Teresa Crescent-RML Hospital Rounabout-Baba Kharak Singh Marg could also be taken to reach North Delhi or New Delhi.

Similarly, general traffic from North side of Rajpath will not be allowed to cross Rajpath to go towards South via Rafi Marg-Janpath&Man Singh Road. Instead motorists could take Ashoka Road or Dr Rajendra Prasad Road and C-Hexagon to proceed towards South Delhi, according to the Delhi Traffic Police.

UNI