NEW DELHI, Jan 23: March by a contingent of 123 French soldiers, breath-taking manoeuvres by air force jets, a procession of tableaux presenting a glimpse of India’s culture and the progress made by the country and all-women marching contingents of the three Services, are some of the attractions in store for guests at the Republic Day function here.
The official Republic Day celebration this year is going to be 90-minutes long, 25 minutes shorter than the traditional duration of 115 minutes.
A dress rehearsal held here today on Rajpath provided a majestic view of the pomp and pageantry lined up for the 67th Republic Day parade.
For the first time in the history of Republic Day parade, a foreign contingent comprising 123 French soldiers will march down the Rajpath along with the Indian troops in presence of France’s President Francois Hollande who will be the chief guest this year.
The preview today began with four Army helicopters flying above Rajpath displaying the tricolour and the flags of Army, Air Force and Navy.
At least 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be part of the fly past over Rajpath during this year’s parade.
Leading the parade will be the traditional ‘Ensign’ formation comprising four Mi-17 V5 helicopters in an inverted ‘Y’ formation.
The second phase was led by ‘Chakra’ formation of three Mi-35 helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
This was followed by the Globe formation comprising one C-17 aircraft and two Su-30 MKI aircraft.
The first fighter formation comprised five Jaguar aircraft in the shape of an Arrowhead, followed by five MiG-29 upgrade aircraft in similar formation.
National bravery award-winning children seated in open jeeps, too, were part of the cultural pageant.
In all, 23 tableaux, including 17 from the various states, provided a kaleidoscopic view of the country’s economic strength, cultural heritage and development of science and technology. (PTI)
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