73rd Republic Day Today, Many Firsts In Grand Parade

The parade at Rajpath will begin at 10.30 am, instead of the earlier timing of 10 am to ensure better visibility.

India's military might, cultural diversity and varied unique initiatives will be showcased as President Ram Nath Kovind leads the nation today in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day. This year's celebrations are significant because it is the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, and it is being commemorated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' across the country. आप सभी को गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। जय हिंद!Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind! #RepublicDay

For the main parade at Rajpath today and the ‘Beating the Retreat' celebration at Vijay Chowk on January 29, the Ministry of Defence has planned some new events.

The government had said that the Republic Day celebrations will now be celebrated for a week - between January 23 and 30 - every year. The celebrations now start on January 23, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and end on January 30 - observed as Martyrs' Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, early this morning, greeted the nation by tweeting, "Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!"