A contingent takes part in the 73rd Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
NEW DELHI, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- India on Wednesday celebrated the 73rd Republic Day amid tight and adequate security measures and COVID-19 protocols.
The main function was organized at Rajpath in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the national flag, and the national anthem was played. In accordance with the tradition, a booming 21-gun salute was also presented to mark the beginning of the parade.
In wake of the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, this year only 5,000 people attended the Republic Day parade program. Authorities allowed only fully-vaccinated adults and children above 15 who had received the first shot.
Reports said the parade started at 10:30 a.m. local time, half an hour later than usual, for better visibility.
Like last year, there was also no chief guest at this year's Republic Day function because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As part of celebrations, every year New Delhi used to bring a foreign dignitary (head of a country) to attend the function as chief guest.
According to officials, adequate security measures were in place as huge contingents of police and paramilitary were deployed in Delhi to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. ■
Soldiers take photos before parade on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day celebration at Assam Rifles ground in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
Soldiers take photos before parade on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day celebration at Assam Rifles ground in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
A parade is held on the occasion of India's 73rd Republic Day celebration in Bangalore, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
A contingent takes part in the 73rd Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
Women soldiers take part in the 73rd Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
Fighter aircrafts of Indian Air Force flies in a formation during the 73rd Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, India. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
A parade is held on the occasion of India's 73rd Republic Day celebration in Bangalore, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
The 73rd Republic Day parade is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
A contingent takes part in the 73rd Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
A parade is held on the occasion of India's 73rd Republic Day celebration in Bangalore, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
Soldiers take photos before parade on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day celebration at Assam Rifles ground in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
A parade is held on the occasion of India's 73rd Republic Day celebration in Bangalore, India, Jan. 26, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)
Fighter aircrafts of Indian Air Force flies in a formation during the 73rd Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, India. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
