Nation celebrates its 72nd Republic Day today. The main function will be held at Rajpath in the National Capital where President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salute of the parade. The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

The National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. This time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade route has been shortened. The parade will begin from Vijay Chowk, as usual, but will culminate at the National Stadium instead of ending at the Red Fort. Only around 25 thousand spectators will be allowed to witness the parade as compared to the average of 1.15 lakh people every year. Children below 15 years and the elderly with comorbidities will not be permitted. This year, there will be no Chief Guest from Foreign countries due to the pandemic. The event will be held following all necessary Covid -19 preventive protocols.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has greeted countrymen on 72nd Republic Day. In a tweet, Mr Naidu called upon people to devote to ideals like freedom, equality, fraternity and justice to all which are enshrined in the Constitution. He urged people to renew the pledge to civilizational ideals and and Constitutional values and dedicate to build an inclusive, peaceful, harmonious and progressive India. He said, citizens should reaffirm their commitment towards the Constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Republic Day. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also greeted citizens on the occasion.

Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Republic Day is a symbol of India’s multicolored diversity and rich cultural heritage. In a tweet, Mr Shah remembered all the great personalities due to whose struggle the Constitution came into effect on this day in 1950. He saluted the brave men who have protected the Indian Republic with their valor.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has greeted people of India on the occasion of Republic Day. In a video message, he said the UK and India are working side by side to free humanity from the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Johnson was due to be in New Delhi as the chief guest at the republic day parade but had to call off the visit following the outbreak of a new deadlier variant of coronavirus in the UK. In his message, the UK PM reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. Mr Johnson said, two countries are working side by side to develop, produce and distribute vaccines that will help to free humanity from the pandemic. He said, because of the combined efforts of Britain, India and many other nations, we are on the road to success against COVID.  

Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions for smooth conduct of the Republic Day Parade. The parade will start at 9.50 AM from Vijay Chowk and proceed to National Stadium, whereas Tableaux will start from Vijay Chowk and proceed to Red Fort Ground. Delhi Traffic Police has said that no traffic will be allowed on Vijay Chowk till the parade is over. No cross traffic will be allowed on Rajpath intersections at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road till the parade is over. ‘C’-Hexagon-India Gate will also be closed for traffic till Tableaux crosses Tilak Marg. Traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Subhash Marg will not be allowed in both carriageways. Road users have been advised to plan their journey in advance and avoid the route of Parade and Tableaux till 12.30 PM for their own convenience.