The army parade on Republic Day will include uniforms and weapons from both the old and new eras of the Indian military, while the Beating Retreat ceremony will feature laser mapping and drone displays. In face of the Covid surge, there are many changes that have been encountered for Republic day celebrations 2022.
The drop in marching contingents due to Covid-surge
As a result of Covid, the number of troops in the Republic Day parade marching contingents has been dropped from 144 to 96. They will march in a 12-row, eight-column arrangement. This year's parade, which used to culminate at Red Fort, has been trimmed for the marching contingents to National Stadium. Due to Covid, the Republic Day procession will now only proceed up to the National Stadium, starting at Raisina Hills and passing past Rajpath, India Gate, and Red Fort. Only tableaux will be allowed to ascend to the Red Fort.
For the first time in 75 years, the Republic Day parade to start 30 minutes late than the scheduled time
In addition, the Republic Day parade will begin 30 minutes late than the anticipated time, at 10 a.m. The Republic Day Parade will feature eight Indian Armed Forces contingents, including six Army contingents, one Air Force contingent, and one Navy contingent.
The new combat uniform will be worn by the Parachute regiment, along with the latest Tavor rifles. According to the announcement, six marching contingents of the Indian army would include the Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Sikh Light Infantry, Army Ordnance Corps Regiment, and Parachute Regiment.
Tableaux and Marching contingents
There would be a total of 16 marching contingents. Eight will come from the Indian Armed Forces, four from the Central Armed Police Force, two from the NCC, and one each from the Delhi Police and the National Security Service. The parade will have a total of 21 tableaus.
Two motorcycle formations will be represented. BSF will have a women's team, while ITBP will have a men's team. A flypast will be performed by 75 Indian Air Force aircraft in 15 formations. At the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, Delhi, two new things will be seen. Following the event, a laser projection mapping would be performed on the North and South block walls. It will be followed by a drone show with 1,000 drones.
