Flypast  |  Photo Credit: ANI
New Delhi: The grand finale and the most keenly-awaited segment of the Republic Day parade – the flypast – will on Wednesday, for the first time, witness 75 aircraft or helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) displaying a number of formations, as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
The grand flypast by 75 helicopters is among a series of new events planned during the main parade.
President Ram Nath Kovind will lead the nation in celebrating 73rd Republic Day today. The celebrations this year are special as the Republic Day falls in the 75th year of Independence, being celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ across the country.
Vintage as well as current modern aircraft and helicopters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota will display different formations, including Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit.
The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of tri-colour balloons.
For the first time, IAF has coordinated with Doordarshan to show cockpit videos during the flypast.
Every year on January 26, India showcases its military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress during the Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath in New Delhi.
The Republic Day parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.
As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute.