New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) The full dress rehearsal held at Rajpath on Saturday, gave a glimpse into the celebrations of the 72nd Republic Day, which were largely curtailed due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic.
The parade rehearsal commenced at 0950 hrs from Vijay Chowk and ended at the National Stadium, covering a distance of 3.3 km, instead of normal 8.2 km, owing to the COVID-19 protocol.
After shortening of the route, the parade passed through Rajpath, Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate and C-Hexagon, to end at the National Stadium, instead of the usual Red Fort.
The main attraction of the parade was the march of troops of the three forces of the country, along with military band of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Colonel M Chaudhar.
This is the second time, when the marching squad of a foreign army has participated in the parade. In 2016, French Army soldiers had created history by marching down the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade, becoming the first foreign military contingent to take part in the celebrations.
Owing to the COVID protocols, the size of marching squads participating in the parade has been reduced. The ex-servicemen will not become part of the parade. The motorcycle squad of thr troops will also be missing from action.
This year, only around 25,000 spectators will be allowed to witness the parade as compared to the average 1.15 lakh people each year.
Children below the age of 15 years and the elders with co-morbidities will not be permitted to witness the parade.
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