Full dress rehearsal of Republic Day parade held at Delhi's Rajpath

The full dress rehearsal for Republic Day was held on Sunday at Rajpath in New Delhi. The rehearsal commenced from Vijay Chowk to the National Stadium through the traditional route of Rajpath that the parade will take on January 26. Many attended the event  as marching contingents, military bands and others took part in the full dress rehearsal ceremony.  To commence the celebrations of Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the hologram statue of the freedom fighter at India Gate in Delhi Sunday evening.

In a first, Republic Day celebrations began from Sunday(January23) a day early from January 23 to include the birth anniversary of  Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.  The parade began at 10.20 AM  from Vijay Chowk and proceeded to National Stadium. The country's military might and cultural heritage were showcased during the parade rehearsal. Tableaux from various Ministries and Departments were on display at Rajpath. Delhi Police had made elaborate traffic arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the parade rehearsals along the route. Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said over twenty thousand police personnel are deployed in the national capital for the Republic Day celebrations. He said strict anti-terrorist measures are being taken since last two months.Speaking to reporters, Mr Asthana said active monitoring along border areas of national capital is being done. Mr Asthana said armed battalions are deployed and drones and other technologies are being used.