Republic Day 2020 updates: India’s air power, women CRPF daredevil bikers enthralls all at Rajpath

By Anuj Cariappa

Updated: Sunday, January 26, 2020, 11:57 [IST]

New Delhi, Jan 26: India is all set to celebrate its 71st Republic Day on Sunday, with great pomp and show. Republic Day celebrations is characterised by the R-Day parade at India Gate, Rajpath in the national capital.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is the chief guest at the parade. This is the third occasion that a Brazilian President will be the chief guest at the R-Day.

Republic Day 2020 LIVE: New entrants Chinook, Apache helicopters perform fly-past

Catch all the LIVE updates upon Republic Day 2020 here

Jan 26, 2020, 11:31 AM IST

Wing Commander SK Chauhan leads the 'Vic' formation, comprising three Dornier aircraft. The captains of the other two aircraft are Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar and Squadron Leader Abhishek Vashisht.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:31 AM IST

The 'Beam Roll' formation led by Head Constable Asha Kumari showcases a daredevil rolling on the beam.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:29 AM IST

The fly-past – the grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade – comprised of the ‘Trishul’ formation by three advanced light helicopters.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:14 AM IST

An all-woman bikers contingent of the CRPF will make its debut and showcase daredevil stunts. The 65-member team displayed its acrobatic skills on 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles towards the end of the over 90-minute-long parade.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:10 AM IST

West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur present ‘Garba - the folk dance of Gujarat’.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:10 AM IST

The children from Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya B-Block, JanakPuri, New Delhi perform on the theme ‘Mharo Rang Rangilo Rajasthan’.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:10 AM IST

The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir showcased government’s ‘Back to Village’ program is the theme of the Union territory's tableau, this year.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:09 AM IST

The tableaux of Uttar Pradesh at the Republic Day parade in Delhi.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:09 AM IST

The tableau of Odisha shows the Rukuna Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraja.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:09 AM IST

Six tableaux from different ministries/departments on display, showcasing various far-reaching reforms of the government including ‘Startup India’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojna’ and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:09 AM IST

Union home minister Amit Shah and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and others witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:09 AM IST

The Tableau of Himachal Pradesh showcases the Kullu Dussehra festival.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:09 AM IST

Telangana tableaux depict Bathukamma, a floral festival of the state.

Jan 26, 2020, 11:08 AM IST

Meanwhile, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi hoists the national flag during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at Madina Circle, in Hyderabad

Jan 26, 2020, 10:51 AM IST

Karnataka showcase 'Anubhava Mantapa' Tableau at the Republic Day parade

Jan 26, 2020, 10:50 AM IST

Sufi shrines Kabir Chaura and Dewa Sharif will be on the same platform as music stalwarts Bismillah Khan & Girija Devi from Uttar Pradesh

Jan 26, 2020, 10:49 AM IST

Andhra Pradesh tableau reflects Kuchipudi, Kondapalli handicrafts

Jan 26, 2020, 10:47 AM IST

Tableau of Rajasthan showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the capital city Jaipur.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:46 AM IST

Chhattisgarh tableau showcasing the artistic beauty of the state's folk life

Jan 26, 2020, 10:45 AM IST

Goa tableau depicting seashore alongwith biodiversity & livelihoods wending through Rajpath

Jan 26, 2020, 10:44 AM IST

Along with these states, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Financial Services, NDRF Ministry of Home Affairs, CPWD Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Shipping are also selected for the Republic Day 2020 parade.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:43 AM IST

The states and departments included in the list are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:41 AM IST

Tamil Nadu's tableau on Rajpath at R-day celebrations

Jan 26, 2020, 10:39 AM IST

22 tableaux from various states/union territories on display, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:38 AM IST

The Massed Pipes and Drums Band of the Indian Army on display.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:38 AM IST

The National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent comprising 148 volunteers.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:38 AM IST

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Boys Marching contingent led by Commander Junior Under-Officer Charandeep Singh Bhaduria, NCC Directorate Uttar Pradesh, while the Girls contingent will be headed by Senior Under-Officer Shreeshma Hegde, NCC Directorate, Karnataka & Goa.

Jan 26, 2020, 10:35 AM IST

Air Defence Tactical Control Radar - led by Lieutenant Vivek Vijay More

Jan 26, 2020, 10:34 AM IST

ITBP marching contingent

Jan 26, 2020, 10:34 AM IST

The Indian Coast Guard marching contingent led by Deputy Commandant Gaurav Sharma.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:44 am IST

The Parade culminates with Beating Retreat ceremony, which takes place every year on January 29 at Vijay Chowk on Rajpath.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:45 am IST

India’s rich cultural heritage is also portrayed by tableaux designed by various Ministries/Departments and State Governments.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:46 am IST

Regiments of Army, Navy, Air Force, police and paramilitary forces march along the Rajpath while India’s defence prowess is on display with latest missiles, aircraft, and weapon systems.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:47 am IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ministerial and party colleagues along with politicians from various parties will be present at the Parade.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:48 am IST

The Parade showcasing India’s military might will be presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The Parade will start with the hoisting of national flag by the President of India.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:50 am IST

It is customary to have foreign head of nations as the Chief Guest for the R-Day Parade and this year, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will grace the event as the chief guest.

Jan 26, 2020, 4:50 am IST

Republic Day marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950.

Jan 26, 2020, 5:00 am IST

Meanwhile, thick security blanket has been thrown across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday on the eve of the Republic Day, the first after the August 5 abrogation of Article 370 provisions.

Jan 26, 2020, 5:01 am IST

Former union ministers Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and George Fernandes, Olympian boxer Mary Kom and former Mauritius prime minister Anerood Jugnauth were among seven prominent personalities awarded the Padma Vibhushan on Saturday, the Home Ministry announced.

Jan 26, 2020, 5:01 am IST

Famous classical bhajan singer from Varanasi Channulal Mishra and Vishveshateertha Swamiji Sri Pejavara Adhokhaja Matha Udupi, who passed away recently, have also been given the highest Padma award--Padma Vibhushan.

Jan 26, 2020, 5:01 am IST

President Ram Nath Kovind approved six Shaurya Chakras, 107 Sena Medals and four Vayu Sena medals for gallantry ahead of the 71st Republic Day

Jan 26, 2020, 5:02 am IST

Entry and exit at some of the metro stations in central Delhi will be closed for a few hours in the morning of Republic Day due to security reasons.

Jan 26, 2020, 5:03 am IST

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building illuminated in tricolour, ahead of Republic Day

Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building illuminated in tricolour, ahead of Republic Day. pic.twitter.com/OLaH3XcJLR
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Jan 26, 2020, 5:03 am IST

Janata Bhawan, Guwahati High Court and Shraddhanjali Kanan lit up on the eve of Republic Day

Guwahati: Janata Bhawan, Guwahati High Court and Shraddhanjali Kanan lit up on the eve of #RepublicDay . #Assam pic.twitter.com/tMuml3z3wt
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Jan 26, 2020, 5:06 am IST

Full text of President Kovind's address

In his traditional address to the nation on the eve of the 71st Republic Day, the President mentioned about the forthcoming olympic games and said new generation of players and athletes has brought laurels for the nation in more and more varieties of sports in recent years.

Full text of the address of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on the eve of the 71st Republic Day.

English: https://t.co/mjaBEDKwrN

Hindi: https://t.co/qboBqEKhuQ #RepublicDay #गणतंत्रदिवस pic.twitter.com/WXpCw8X3VR
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2020

Jan 26, 2020, 6:00 am IST

This is for the first time that the PM Modi will pay homage to martyrs at the National War memorial instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Jan 26, 2020, 6:00 am IST

Tania Shergill, a young Army officer who grew up in a family where for generations men had lived their life serving the nation in olive green uniform, will be leading an all-men contingent comprising 147 personnel on Republic Day.

Jan 26, 2020, 6:00 am IST

As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.

Jan 26, 2020, 6:01 am IST

Contingent of DRDO will showcase Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) - Mission Shakti.

Jan 26, 2020, 6:02 am IST

Where to watch Republic Day 2020 parade online

The YouTube channels of Doordarshan and Press Information Bureau run the event live

Jan 26, 2020, 7:14 am IST

Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations marking the anniversary of the day when India was declared a republic in 1950.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:14 am IST

Anti-satellite weapon Shakthi, Army’s battle tank Bhishma, infantry combat vehicles and newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters of the Indian Air Force will be part of the grand military parade.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:19 am IST

The national capital has been brought under a massive ground-to-air security cover, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel keeping a hawk-eye vigil. Twenty-two tableaux – 16 from States and Union Territories and six from various ministries and departments - depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress will also roll down the Rajpath.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:26 am IST

School children will convey age-old message of yoga and spiritual values through dance and music during the parade, the defence ministry said.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:33 am IST

The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial near the India Gate. He will lead the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:40 am IST

This is for the first time that the prime minister will pay homage to martyrs at the National War memorial instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:48 am IST

Thereafter, the prime minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:57 am IST

As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.

Jan 26, 2020, 7:57 am IST

The parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lt General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff of Delhi Area, will be the second-in-command.

Jan 26, 2020, 8:04 am IST

The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers will be 61 Cavalry. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 1, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.