Republic Day Parade : Guest list curtailed, Covid sops in place

New Delhi: For the first time, the list of invitees to Republic Day celebrations include autorickshaw drivers, construction workers, sanitation workers and frontline workers. The event will have no foreign dignitary as chief guest this year. This is the second year in a row that high-level visits during the Republic Day celebrations had to be cancelled. India had earlier invited the leaderships of five Central Asian nations to be chief guests. But, in the wake of Covid surge, New Delhi will not be hosting the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. The Central Asian leadership will meet virtually. A senior Defence Ministry official said a special effort has been made to give opportunity who never get a chance to see the Republic Day celebrations. This year people from all walks of life have been invited to Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath.

"Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the number of visitors to be substantially curtailed this year. We are looking at a range of 5000 to 8000 people, but we have not yet finalised that. Last year, 25,000 visitors had taken part in it," he added. For the safety of visitors, only double-vaccinated invitees are allowed. And in the enclosures, they request guests to maintain six-feet distance, wear masks and follow other Covid protocols. All guests will be thermally screened, he added.

"We will telecast the Republic Day celebrations on the internet, television and other social media platforms for all viewers. We are encouraging people to be a part of the celebration from home," he added. "The celebration will begin at 10.30 am which is 30 minutes delay of its scheduled time. The delay has been done to ensure better visibility during flypast performances," he said. Before the parade begins, a band of Central Armed Police Forces will perform to build an atmosphere of patriotism. "Total 75 aircraft will participate in flypast this year to mark 75 years of Independence.