Republic Day 2021: Pandemic fails to deter India's grand Republic Day celebrations | Highlights

An unprecedented security cover has been put in place in and around Delhi for Republic Day. While the main traditional event was held at Rajpath where India's military might and cultural diversity was on display, farmers' tractor rally across several routes in the national capital will keep the security forces on their toes. One of the major attractions at this year's Republic Day parade was the flypast by Rafale fighter jets. Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system also enthralled the audience. Total 32 tableaus -- 17 from states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry, and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces -- depicting the nation's rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess also rolled down the Rajpath at the Republic Day parade. For the first time, the 122-member contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces also marched on Rajpath.

Republic Day Parade 2021: Highlights

12:30 AM: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unfurled the national flag in Panchkula.

11:40 AM: Republic Day parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.

11:33 AM: The ‘Trinetra’ formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a ‘Trishul in the Sky’. The formation is led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni. 

11:25 AM: 'Rudra’ formation comprising a Dakota aircraft flanked by 2 Mi-17 IV helicopters.   Dakotas were instrumental in airlifting troops into Kashmir Valley to repel invaders from across border in 1947. They played a significant role in Tangail airdrop leading to Bangladesh's libeartion.

11:14 AM: With the theme of 'Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID' the tableau of the Department of Biotechnology depicts the process of COVID-19 Vaccine development through various processes. 

10:53 AM: 

10:50 AM: Tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur.

10:40 AM: A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the Gujarat tableau.

10:37 AM: The display of cultural tableaux begins at Republic Day parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the UT.

10:35 AM: 

10:32 AM: Indian Navy's tableau with the theme of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ being displayed at Republic Day parade. The trailer of tableau showcases Navy’s principal combatant in 1971 war, INS Vikrant conducting flying operations with Sea Hawk and Alize aircrafts.

10:30 AM: Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade

10:28 AM: Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system.

10:26 AM: Naval Brass Band led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune ‘Jai Bharti’ marches down Rajpath

10:23 AM: The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion

10:22 AM: Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment (Pinaka) being led by Capt Vibhor Gulati.

10:21 AM: The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman.

10:20 AM: Marching Contingent and Band of Bangladesh Army participate in Republic Day parade. The contingent is being led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan.

10:16 AM: The main battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, which is commanded by Captain Karanveer Singh Bhangu of 54 Armoured Regiment goes past the saluting dais.

10:12 AM: Winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath. Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Ashok Chakra awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

Winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath.

10:10 AM: Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's Republic Day parade, as the Parade Commander.

10:00 AM: The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries

09:57 AM: President Ram Nath Kovid arrives at Rajnath, Delhi

09:51 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajpath, Delhi. 

09:42 AM: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate.

09:37 AM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unfurled the Tricolour at his residence

09:34 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrive at National War Memorial

09:21 AM: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurls the tricolour at SAF Ground in Rewa.

09:14 AM: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unfurled the national flag at his residence in Patna.

09:10 AM: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unfurls the Tricolour at his residence in Lucknow. 

09:02 AM: Spectators at Delhi's Rajpath seated following strict social distancing protocols due to COVID-19

08:54 AM: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla unfurls Tricolour at his residence

08:42 AM: Tamil Nadu Guv Banwarilal Purohit lays wreath at War Memorial at Rajaji Salai, in Chennai.

08:29 AM: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal unfurls the national flag on Republic Day. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also present.

08:13 AM: Security heightened at Connaught Place and Mother Teresa Crescent Marg

07:58 AM: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hoists the Tricolour at CM residence in Jaipur. 

07:38 AM: Preparations in final stages at Rajpath for Republic Day parade. Limited number of audience has been allowed in view of the pandemic. Seating provisions have been done keeping in mind social distancing norms. 

07:32 AM: Republic Day parade at Rajpath and farmers' tractor rally - Check full list of roads to avoid in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and other areas.

07:28 AM: We faced an expansionist move on our borders, but our valiant soldiers foiled it: President Ram Nath Kovind. Read Full Text of President's address to nation on the eve of Republic Day 2021.

07:23 AM: The country's largest paramilitary force CRPF has been bestowed with the highest number of 73 gallantry medals for undertaking counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and in various Maoist violence affected states. It also earned four Kirti Chakras announced by the Ministry of Defence on the occasion of Republic Day.

07:18 AM: President Ram Nath Kovind has approved the conferment of 119 Padma awards on the occasion of Republic Day. Shinzo Abe gets Padma Vibhushan, Ram Vilas Paswan Padma Bhushan. Here's the full list of 2021 Padma awardees.

07:13 AM: Republic Day 2021: India to show military might, cultural heritage at Rajpath

India will show its military might on Tuesday with Rafale fighter jets taking part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time and the armed forces showcasing T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, among others | READ MORE HERE

07:06 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes people on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day.

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