Republic Day 2023: This year's parade witnessed multiple events for the first time

Tags: National National News

India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on 26 January. This year's parade was special with many events taking place for the first time.

Programs to be organised for the first time in 74th Republic Day Parade

• This was the first Republic Day celebrations hosted at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed to 'Kartavya Path' last year.

• For the first time, 12 women riders were part of the Border Security Force's (BSF) camel contingent and 16 march contingents of the armed forces.

• The old howitzers with 25-pounder guns, which traditionally thundered during the 21-gun salute during Republic Day celebrations, were replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns this year.

• A team of "Daredevils" motorcycle riders from the Corps of Signals, co-led by a woman officer, became part of the parade for the first time.

• Nine Rafale aircraft and the Navy's IL-38 participated in the air show for the first time.

• Besides the IL-38 aircraft, the formations like 'Bheem' and 'Vajrang' showcased over the Kartavya Path for the first time.

• It is the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has been invited as the chief guest on the Republic Day.

• A military contingent from the Egyptian Army also participated in the Republic Day parade for the first time.

• During the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023, 3-D anamorphic projection was held for the first time on the façade of North and South Block.

• Newly appointed Agniveer was also a part of the parade for the first time.

• The Narcotics Control Bureau also presented a tableau for the first time.