Republic Day 2022: major highlights from the grand parade at Rajpath

The march past on Republic Day on Wednesday began with Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra gallantry award winners following the parade commander in their jeeps.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial, where he paid homage to the armed forces personnel who laid down their lives for the country. He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three defence forces.

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With the parade taking place under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic yet again, strict guidelines were imposed for those attending. Those attending had to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and children below 15 years of age were not allowed to attend the function.

The parade began with four Mi-17 V5 helicopters flying in a 'Wineglass formation' over Rajpath. Apart from cultural performances by more than 480 dancers from across the country, and as many as 21 tableaux, the parade also featured a grand 75 aircraft flypast by the Indian Air Force.