71st Republic Day 2020 highlights| Beating retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border on Republic Day
India celebrates its 71st Republic Day today. On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into force
5:41 PM IST

PM Narendra Modi arrives at Rashtrapati Bhawan for ‘At home’ reception
PM Narendra Modi arrives at Rashtrapati Bhawan for ‘At home’ reception hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu arrive at Rashtrapati Bhawan for 'At Home Reception' hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/kdZfvGRY46
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
5:12 pm IST
Beating retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border on Republic Day
Beating retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border on Republic Day.
#WATCH: Beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border on #RepublicDay. pic.twitter.com/a1CwoWqUnC
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
4:36 pm IST
Air India Distributes 30,000 National Flags To Passengers On Republic Day
The national carrier Air India celebrated the 71st Republic Day by distributing 30,000 Indian flags made of eco-friendly seed paper among the passengers at airports in metro cities and Srinagar on Sunday.
4:27 pm IST
JNU’s first girls NCC battalion present guard of honour to VC on Republic Day
The girl’s unit of the National Cadet Corps, newly established at the Jawaharlal Nehru University here, on Sunday presented guard of honour to Vice Chancellor M Jagdesh Kumar at the varsity on the occasion of Republic Day.
3:50 pm IST
Standing ovation to 49 little heroes on Republic Day
Spectators of Republic Day parade at Rajpath gave a standing ovation to the 49 little heroes of the country who came in decorated jeeps.
The people tried to connect with these 49 children, 18 girls and 31 boys, who were honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for the their exceptional achievement.
3:13 pm IST
PM Modi shares glimpses from Rajpath
PM Modi shares glimpses from Rajpath on Republic Day.
Some more glimpses from Rajpath today. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/qIdn9JsuHU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020
3:04 pm IST
PM Modi thanks Maldives president and Sri Lankan PM for Republic Day wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked the president of Maldives and the prime minister of Sri Lanka for their Republic Day greetings, saying New Delhi cherished the deep-rooted friendship with the two countries.
3:01 pm IST
School students perform traditional dance forms
School children from different parts of the country performed various traditional Indian dance forms at the 71st Republic Day parade in Delhi on Sunday.
2:55 pm IST
Bangladesh President, PM greet India on 71st Republic Day
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday greeted people of India on the occasion of the country’s 71st Republic Day.
2:53 pm IST
Delhi: Tableau of Goa depicts its extensive seashore complete with its biodiversity
Delhi: Tableau of Goa depicts its extensive seashore complete with its biodiversity and livelihoods and the tableau of Odisha showcases Rukuna Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraja who is worshipped as Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (Harihara), in Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar.
Delhi: Tableau of Goa depicts its extensive
seashore complete with its biodiversity & livelihoods and the tableau of Odisha showcases Rukuna Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraja who is worshipped as Lord Shiva&Lord Vishnu (Harihara), in Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar. #RepublicDay2020 pic.twitter.com/lX3pxXwFdI— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
2:31 pm IST
In a first, almost all mosques in Kerala hosted Tricolur on Republic Day
In a first, almost all mosques in Kerala hosted Tricolur on Republic Day on Sunday. A scene from Palayam Juma Masjid in state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Many Muslim organizations have exhorted believers to celebrate Republic Day to give a message across.
In a first, almost all mosques in Kerala hosted Tricolur on Republic Day ( HT Photo/Vivek R Nair )
1:55 pm IST
Women grab limelight at India’s Republic Day pageantry
In Rajpath’s annual pomp-filled spectacle of military might featuring army tanks, horses and camels this year, women took the centre-stage.
Inspector Seema Nag saluted the gathered VIPs as she led her fellow bikers, one precariously perched at the top of a ladder wedged behind her vehicle’s handlebars.
And in front of the guest of honour Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, Captain Tania Shergill, a fourth-generation army officer, led an all-male Corps of Signals military communications contingent. :AFP
1:40 pm IST
‘Sikkim a model state for others to emulate’: Governor Ganga Prasad
Governor Ganga Prasad in his speech after unfurling the national flag at a function in Sikkim said the state has become a model state for others to emulate for maintaining peace and harmony. “Sikkim has assimilated development, peace, harmony and security. There is no problem like communal riots or strikes in the state. It’s a model state for others to emulate,” he said.
1:15 pm IST
BSF hoists national flag at Attari-Wagah border on Republic Day
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday organised the customary flag hoisting ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar on Republic Day.
12:50 pm IST
ULFA-I calls for shutdown on Republic Day in Guwahati
Security personnel stood guard at roads in Guwahati on Republic Day as ULFA (I) called for a shutdown on Sunday.
12:30 pm IST
Mobile phone services snapped, Republic Day celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir amid tight security
Suspension of mobile phone services as a precautionary measure on Republic Day in Kashmir comes a few hours after mobile data services were restored in the valley in Saturday.
Meanwhile, amid tight security, Republic day was celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir first time after the abrogation of Article 370 and after the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories on August 5.
12:09 pm IST
Grenades lobbed in eastern Assam by separatists: Police
Police said five grenades were lobbed in the eastern Assam state by separatist militants who have routinely boycotted the Republic Day celebrations. No one was injured, police said. : AP
12:01 pm IST
Brazilian President’s visit also aimed at strengthening ties
Apart from attending the Republic Day celebrations, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s visit is also aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties across a range of fields between the two countries.
11:50 am IST
PM Modi sports saffron turban on 71st Republic Day
Continuing his tradition of donning colourful turbans on Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sported a saffron ‘bandhej’ headgear with a tail for the 71st Republic Day. : PTI
11:40 am IST
President Ram Nath Kovind, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro leave Rajpath
President Kovind and chief guest Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have left Rajpath for Rashtrapati Bhawan. PM Modi has also left Rajpath.
11:30 am IST
Republic Day parade concludes with IAF’s grand show
Republic Day parade concluded with IAF’s grand show. President saluted the cavalry as national anthem played in the background.
11:26 am IST
Vic formation, comprising three Dornier aircraft, seen at Rajpath
Wing Commander SK Chauhan leads the ‘Vic’ formation, comprising three Dornier aircraft. The captains of the other two aircraft are Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar and Squadron Leader Abhishek Vashisht.
Delhi: Wing Commander SK Chauhan leads the 'Vic' formation, comprising three Dornier aircraft. The captains of the other two aircraft are Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar and Squadron Leader Abhishek Vashisht. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/0DIo2rlBEr
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
11:22 am IST
Dhanush gun system, Apache, Chinook helicopters on display for first time
Dhanush gun system, Apache, Chinook helicopters on display for first time
Delhi: 5 Apache helicopters flying in, the formation is led by Group Captain Mannarath Shylu VM, Commanding Officer 125 Helicopter Squadron. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/HCTW8MboFc
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
11:18 am IST
Women CRPF biker team performs daredevil stunts for the first time
Women CRPF biker team performs daredevil stunts for the first time.
Delhi: Asst Sub Inspector Sujata Goswami with five of her teammates speeds down the Rajpath displaying their daring formation, "All Round Defence". (pic 1)
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
The 'Beam Roll' formation led by Head Constable Asha Kumari showcases a daredevil rolling on the beam. (pic 2) #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/s0u7ooy62B
11:12 am IST
Delhi school kids try to describe Rajasthan’s beauty through a performance
Delhi school kids try to describe the beauty of Rajasthan through a performance.
11:06 am IST
School kids begin cultural performance
School kids have begun their performance on various themes such as ‘Yoga’, ‘Freedom’.
10:57 am IST
Gurunanak’s message of universal oneness showcased on Punjab tableau
Gurunanak’s message of universal oneness showcased on Punjab tableau.
10:52 am IST
Karnataka tableau, followed by Jammu and Kashmir on Rajpath
Karnataka tableau was followed by union territory J-K’s tableau. J-K’s theme was ‘back to village’.
Delhi: The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir being showcased at the #RepublicDay parade. Jammu and Kashmir government’s ‘Back to Village’ program is the theme of the union territory's tableau, this year. pic.twitter.com/URFbGnP7K8
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
10:48 am IST
Meghalaya, Rajasthan tableaux on Rajpath, followed by UP’s
Meghalaya, Rajasthan tableaux were showcased on Rajpath, followed by UP’s tableau which had dancers performing Kathak.
10:46 am IST
Dancers decorate Odisha tableau
Odisha tableau was decorated with dancers from the state.
10:45 am IST
Goa tableau on Rajpath
Goa tableau has music from the state and a huge frog with a guitar.
10:43 am IST
Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh tableaux on Rajpath
These tableaux showcase the lives of tribes.
10:42 am IST
Assam tableau showcasing culture on Rajpath
Assam tableau carries the state culture along as most things on display are made of cane or bamboo.
10:41 am IST
Rajasthan, Telangana tableaux on Rajpath
Rajasthan, Telangana tableaux on Rajpath
10:40 am IST
‘Tell a woman she cant do it, and she will show you how its done’: Captain Tanya Shergil
“Tell a woman she cant do it, and she will show you how its done!! Captain Tanya Shergil, a 4th Generation #Army Officer leads Corps of Signals marching contingent ” tweeted PIB.
Tell a woman she cant do it, and she will show you how its done !!
Captain Tanya Shergil, a 4th Generation #Army Officer leads Corps of Signals marching contingent #RepublicDay2020 #RepublicDayIndia pic.twitter.com/vXi5RA6CuQ
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2020
10:39 am IST
Tamil Nadu’s tableau on Rajpath
Tamil Nadu’s tableau is now on Rajpath.
10:38 am IST
NSS marching contingent on Rajpath
NSS marching contingent is on Rajpath.
10:36 am IST
Mobile phone services snapped in Kashmir on Republic Day
Mobile phone services snapped in Kashmir as precautionary measure for ensuring smooth passage of Republic Day celebrations, say officials. : PTI
10:35 am IST
NCC cadets on Rajpath
NCC cadents march past on Rajpath.
10:32 am IST
Delhi Police contingent on Rajpath
Delhi Police’s marching contingent is now on Rajpath. Since 1950, this contingent has been a part of Republic Day parade every year.
10:27 am IST
CRPF marching contingent marches past
CRPF marching contingent marches past.
10:25 am IST
Air Force marching contingent and tableau on Rajpath
Air Force marching contingent marches to ‘Sound Barrier’, followed by Air Force tableau. The theme of the tableau is ‘cutting edge’.
10:23 am IST
Naval tableau marches past on Rajpath
Naval tableau showcasing the might and power of the navy. It also showcases navy’s commitment to nation building.
10:22 am IST
Naval marching contingent march past saluting dias
Naval marching contingent march past saluting dias.
10:19 am IST
Republic Day parade at Dadar TT circle in Mumbai
Republic Day parade at Dadar TT circle in Mumbai.

10:15 am IST
First marching contingent on Rajpath
First marching contingent, Parachute Regiment, marches past Rajpath.
10:07 am IST
Women CRPF biker team to perform ‘daredevil’ stunts for the first time
Women CRPF biker team is going to perform ‘daredevil’ stunts for the first time today.
10:06 am IST
Dhanush gun system, Apache and Chinook helicopters to be displayed
Dhanush gun system, Apache and Chinook helicopters will be displayed for the first time today.
10:05 am IST
MI-17 V-5 helicopters fly past Rajpath
MI-17 V-5 helicopters fly past and shower flowers at Rajpath.
10:04 am IST
Parade about to begin. India’s military might, discipline to be showcased
Anti-satellite weapon Shakthi, Army’s battle tank Bhishma, Chinook helicopter and Apache helicopter of the Indian Air Force will be a part of the military parade.
10:01 am IST
President unfurls flag, national anthem plays amid 21-gun salute
President Ram Nath Kovind has unfurled the flag and the national anthem has been played amid 21-gun salute.
9:55 am IST
President Ram Nath Kovind, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reach Rajpath
President Ram Nath Kovind, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reach Rajpath. PM Narendra Modi and chief of the three defence forces welcomed them and escorted them to the presidential encloser.
9:54 am IST
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu reaches Rajpath
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu reaches Rajpath.
9:51 am IST
PM Narendra Modi reaches Rajpath
PM Modi has reached the Rajpath.
9:46 am IST
President Ram Nath Kovind, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro start for Rajpath
President Kovind, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have emerged from the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
9:42 am IST
PM Narendra Modi pens down his gratitude on ceremonial book
PM Modi pens down his gratitude on the ceremonial book.
9:39 am IST
PM Modi pays tribute to martyrs at National War Museum
PM Modi pays tribute to martyrs at National War Museum ahead of parade.
9:35 am IST
PM Modi reaches National War Museum
Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria welcome PM Modi and Rajnath Singh.
9:30 am IST
Rahul Gandhi greets nation on Republic Day
My best wishes to each & every Indian on this our Republic Day.
सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।#RepublicDay2020 pic.twitter.com/P4ogRzuPN3
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 26, 2020
9:20 am IST
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoists national flag at his residence
Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal hoisted the national flag at his residence.
Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoists the national flag at his residence on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/WJkibcetiB
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
9:05 am IST
Rajnath Singh hoists the national flag at his residence
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoisted the national flag at his residence.
9:00 am IST
Republic Day parade set to begin at Rajpath
Republic Day parade is set to begin at Rajpath.
8:50 am IST
TN celebrates R-Day with patriotic fervour
Republic Day parade is underway at Kamarajar Road off Marina Beach in Chennai.
Chennai: Republic Day parade underway at Kamarajar Road off Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/gB7zLY9fE5
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
8:42 am IST
Over 2000 traffic personnel deployed for smooth flow of traffic
More than 2000 traffic police personnel have been deployed for smooth flow of traffic and for the facilitation of spectators and visitors to the venue. Adequate security and traffic arrangements for the At Home function at Rashtrapati Bhawan have also been made.
8:35 am IST
Capital in four-layer security arrangement for Republic Day
Thousands of security personnel, facial recognition system, drones and CCTV cameras have been put in place as part of Delhi Police’s security arrangements.
“We have a four-layer security arrangement. Inner, middle, outer and one along the border areas across the national capital. Around 5000 to 6000 Delhi Police personnel have been deployed in New Delhi district along with 50 companies of paramilitary forces,” deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi Zone) Eish Singhal was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
8:20 am IST
‘Constitution’s soul lies in freedoms guaranteed in its Part III’, tweets P Chidambaram
“Happy Republic Day. The soul of the Constitution lies in the freedoms guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution,” tweets P Chidambaram.
Happy Republic Day. The soul of the Constitution lies in the freedoms guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 26, 2020
8:10 am IST
Cops vigilant against protesters who might carry placards to parade
Tight security has been put in place in the area surrounding Rajpath. In the wake of anti-CAA and anti-NRC protests, Delhi Police will keep an eye out for people clothed in black and those trying to reach India Gate carrying placards or messages related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) or the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
8:04 am IST
22 tableaux will be shown as part of parade
22 tableaux, 16 from different states and six from various government ministries, will be shown as part of the parade.
7:55 am IST
Metro parking facilities to be shut till 2 pm
Delhi Metro parking facilities which have been shut from 6:00 am on 25th January will remain closed till 2:00 pm on 26th January at all metro stations.

7:49 am IST
Metro operations which begin at 8 am on Sundays to start at 6 am
To facilitate the public attending the Republic Day parade, the following corridors which begin operations at 8:00 am on Sundays will commence at 6:00 am on 26 January 2020.
Republic Day Update
To facilitate the public attending the Republic Day parade, the following corridors which begin operations at 8:00 AM on Sundays will commence at 6:00 AM on 26 January 2020. pic.twitter.com/Agwr1BI1Gj
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) January 25, 2020
7:42 am IST
A few metro gates to be shut for a while
Entry/exit gates to the following stations will remain closed for a short period on 26th January 2020.
Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan will be closed till 12 pm. Lok Kalyan Marg and Patel Chowk will be closed from 8:45 am to 12 pm. Interchange facility will be available at Central Secretariat.
7:39 am IST
‘Let us recall what our forefathers solemnly resolved...’: PIB tweets
“Let us recall what our forefathers solemnly resolved, what they have bequeathed to us and what we celebrate and honour today,” tweeted PIB.
#ThisDayThatYear: Let us recall what our forefathers solemnly resolved, what they have bequeathed to us and what we celebrate and honour today. #RepublicDay #RepublicDayParade2020 #RepublicDayIndia pic.twitter.com/zY8gViyW4D
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2020
7:34 am IST
‘India’s military might...’: PIB tweets ahead of Republic Day parade
“India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during 71st Republic Day Parade 2020 at the majestic Rajpath,” tweeted Press Information Bureau.
India’s military might, cultural diversity, social & economic progress will be on display during 71st #RepublicDayParade2020 at the majestic #Rajpath
Tune into #PIB tomorrow at 9 am
YT: https://t.co/DDAPXhHpdd
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2020
FB: https://t.co/ykJcYlvi5b#RepublicDay2020 #RepublicDay
7:28 am IST
People reach Rajpath to see Republic Day parade live
People have flooded Rajpath to see the parade live. They have already been seated in order to avoid last-minute disorder.

7:25 am IST
Students take out tricolour march on eve of Republic Day
Students of IIT Bombay took out a tricolour march on their campus on the eve of Republic Day.
Mumbai: Students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay took out a tricolor march in the campus yesterday. #RepublicDay (25.01.20) pic.twitter.com/kWsC6bebsr
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
7:20 am IST
Patriotism reflects in religious practices in Uttarakhand
Flowers offered to the deity during morning prayers at Rishikesh’s Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple in Uttarakhand on the occasion of Republic Day .
Uttarakhand: Tricolor flowers offered to the deity during morning prayers at Rishikesh's Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/m4VAfbOP5h
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020
7:15 am IST
PM Modi greets nation on Republic Day
Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay.
सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की बहुत-बहुत बधाई।
जय हिंद!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020
7:10 am IST
C-Hexagon around India Gate to be closed: Traffic advisory
The C-Hexagon around India Gate will remain closed from 2 am on January 26 till the end of the parade. Besides, traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Road will not be allowed from 5 am till the parade is over, a traffic advisory issued by Delhi Traffic Police said.
6:57 am IST
Traffic restrictions put in place
Restrictions on the movement of traffic in the national capital has been put in place. No cross-traffic was allowed on Rajpath from 11 pm on Saturday at Rafi Marg, Janpath and Mansingh Road till the Republic Day Parade is over.
6:50 am IST
Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra to be awarded to courageous youth
President Ram Nath Kovind will award Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra to youth for displaying courage away from the battlefield.
6:45 am IST
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to be chief guest at parade
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at the parade.
6:38 am IST
PM Modi to pay tribute at National War Memorial before parade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tributes at the National War Memorial before the parade starts along Rajpath.
6:34 am IST
Republic Day parade to begin at 9 am
Republic Day parade will begin at 9 am today. It is expected to go on till 11.30 am.
6:30 am IST
India celebrates 71st Republic Day today
India will celebrate its 71st Republic Day today. The Constitution of India came into force on this day in 1950.