India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing farmers’ protest. On the occasion, the Tricolour was unfurled at Delhi’s Rajpath in presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh.
PM Modi dons paghdi from Jamnagar
During the occasion, PM Modi sported a red ‘halari paghdi’ that was gifted to him by the royal family of Jamnagar. Jamanagar MP Poonamben Maadam took to Twitter to reveal the same. She said, “Jamnagar is known for its rich culture. Proud to see Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji in a ‘Halari Paghdi’ from Jamnagar on the occasion of #RepublicDay.”
Jamnagar is known for its rich culture.
Proud to see Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji in a 'Halari Paghdi' from Jamnagar on the occasion of #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/Jz5CFTWij2
— Poonamben Maadam (@PoonambenMaadam) January 26, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished citizens on Republic Day. He tweeted, “Wishing all the people of India a Happy #RepublicDay. Jai Hind!”
देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। जय हिंद!
Wishing all the people of India a Happy #RepublicDay. Jai Hind!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2021
Shorter Rajpath celebrations
The Rajpath celebration was a shortened version this year in which 32 tableaux took part. Of it 17 were from states and Union Territories, six from defence and nine from ministries. The Republic Day parade ended with a Rafale jet flying at a speed of 900 km per hour and performing a ‘vertical charlie’.
Also Read: Protesting farmers break barricades to enter Delhi for tractor rally
The usual gravity-defying stunts on motorcycles were missing and so were the spectators. This year, only 25,000 spectators were allowed as against 1.25 lakh spectators in 2020.
Boris Johnson’s video message
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was supposed to be the chief guest at the event and he had also confirmed the same. However, the UK PM had to drop his plan due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the UK. In a video message, Johnson said, “I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against COVID has kept me in London.”
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