Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. The main function will be organized at Rajpath in the National Capital, where President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salute of the parade. This year, President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be Chief Guest at the 71st Republic Day.

The full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade was held at Rajpath this morning. AIR correspondent reports a large crowd gathered at Rajpath to watch the rehearsal. Colorfully decorated tableaux of sixteen states and union territories and six central ministries took part in the full dress rehearsal. Talking to AIR, people who are participating in the parade as part of the tableaux said they are proud to be depicting their culture.

Over 600 school children are taking part in the parade to showcase cultural programmes and folk dances from various states. The major attractions this year are the fly-past by the newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters along with Sukhoi and advanced light helicopters. A replica of Rafale fighter jet will also be on display in the Indian Air Force tableau. Meanwhile, security personnel from Delhi Police and other central security forces have been deployed in the National Capital. Security checking and frisking of commuters have been increased in all Delhi metro stations.