The Republic Day Parade will be of a shorter duration this year, with fewer cultural performances and shorter marching contingents as well as strict social distancing rules in place for less number of spectators. Sources revealed that there would be no foreign dignitary invited for this year’s Republic Day function which was going to be a low key affair keeping Covid restrictions and prevention in mind. The Ministry of Defence has finalised the changed format for the Republic Day Parade to be held in New Delhi on January 26 in view of the Covid protocols. .
For the first time in the history of R-Day, the parade will not culminate at the Red Fort. It will start from Vijay Chowk and end at the National Stadium. The distance of the parade has been cut down to half -- from an earlier 8.2 kilometres to 3.3 kilometres now. The reduction in the distance is the outcome of the decision to maintain social distancing between the marching contingents. The participants of the parade will be placed at a longer distance abiding by the protocols. The number of individuals in each continent will also be cut short with only 96 members in place of 144 members in each contingent. The size of the contingents has been reformulated to 12×8 in place of usual 12×12 rows and columns. This will witness a change in the visible patterns of the Republic Day parade next year. All marching participants and performers will be wearing masks during the parade.
The spectators will also be seated according to the social distancing protocols and will be wearing masks at all times. The cultural programmes will also be curtailed due to safety measures.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also cancelled his visit to India to participate as the chief guest in the Republic Day celebrations in wake of the new strain of Covid-19 that has led to third national lockdown in Britain.