Zoom News : Jan 26, 2021, 11:37 AM
New Delhi: The Republic Day celebrations have always been synonymous grand parades, the participation of citizens from all walks of life, thousands of spectators and a real upbeat atmosphere. However, it will be different this year as the Republic Day comes amid Covid-19 pandemic.Not just the participation and spectator entry at New Delhi's Rajpath will be limited for people, the iconic Republic Day Parade is also expected to see a string of changes.Here's what will be different this year:For the first time ever, people will see Rafale fighter jets on display this year during the Republic Day Parade. As many as 11 jets out of the 36 procured from France have been received by India so far.In yet another first, the parade will see the participation of a woman fighter pilot. Flight lieutenant Bhawna Kanth will be a part of the IAF's tableau which will show drills of the light combat aircraft (LCA), light combat helicopter (LCH) and the Sukhoi-30 fighters.After France and the UAE, Bangladesh will become the third foreign country to participate in India's Republic Day parade. Some 122 soldiers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces arrived in India earlier this month to take part in January 26 celebrations.Ram Temple will feature among many tableaux that will be on display during the Republic Day parade. The temple will be a part of Uttar Pradesh's tableau this year.India will not have a chief guest at the parade this year since United Kingdom Boris Johnson decided to cancel his visit to India in view of the worsening Covid-19 situation in the UK. It was in 1966 when there was no chief guest at the Republic Day parade.A maximum of 25,000 spectators will be allowed to attend the parade due to Covid-19 situation in the country. It is a massive cut from the previously allowed 1,50,000 people.The parade, unlike previous years, will go only till the National Stadium at the C-Hexagon of India Gate. Only the tableaux will go to the Red Fort.There will be no veteran's parade by ex-servicemen and women, motorcycle stunts by the Army and CAPF personnel this year.Children below the age of 15 will not be permitted at the India Gate lawns while there will be no enclosure for school children this year.