R-Day parade: India displays military might, cultural heritage

The 72nd Republic Day saw a shorter parade, with smaller marching contingents and fewer cultural performances due to Covid crisis. The parade began from Vijay Chowk, as usual, but ended at the National Stadium instead of ending at the Red Fort. So, it covered a distance of 3.3 km as compared to the normal 8.2 km. The number of spectators were also reduced to around 25,000 compared to the average of 1.3 lakh people every year. Children under 15 and elderly were allowed this time as a precaution against Covid. The parade saw a spectacle of India's military might and cultural diversity as the marching contingents and tableaux rolled down the Rajpath. A contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces will also take part in the parade in view of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 1971 war of liberation.