[www.keralites.net] Pictures That Depict The Formative Years Of Our Republic Day Parade

 

We're all used to the idea that Republic Day means a parade on Delhi's Rajpath. But did you know that the Republic Day parade that we all come to take for granted didn't exist in its present form for the first five years of India becoming a republic? You probably didn't.

Don't worry, we are happy to help. In 11 pictures, here's how our Republic Day celebration came into being. 

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the President of India right before the celebrations of the first Republic Day began.

The swearing in ceremony took place at Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan. After which the then Governor-general C Rajagopalachari (centre) declared India as a Republic.

2. 31 men lined up fire in the air - the 31 gun salute. 

3.  While the President now arrives in a cavalcade of cars, in the olden days a horse drawn carriage was all it took.

4. Hoisting the flag is an age old tradition. 

5. There has always been a chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Indonesian President Sukarno had the honour of being the first ever. 

Security wasn't that big an issue for us back then!

6.The first Republic Day parade took place at Irwin Stadium which is now the national stadium. About 15, 000 people witnessed it. 

7. It was only in 1955 that Rajpath, earlier known as Kingsway, became the permanent venue for the Republic Day Parade. 

That very year, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad from Pakistan was invited as the chief guest of the ceremony. 

8. Our parade always had the tableaux trend, but these jhankis were way more simple back then! 

9. Jhankis made there way through the streets of Connaught Place so that the common people could enjoy the sight. 

10. Back in the day, massive crowds were very easy to manage. 

11. But these broken chairs from Republic Day 1955 tell us that a mess always followed.

 

M. D. Hegde
MANGALORE
Think Good Do Good
www.snegidhi.com
whatsapp number 90355 30833
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hegdemd

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