Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate on Republic Day 2021. India is celebrating its 72nd Republic Day today. Owing to the Covid-19 crisis, this will be the first Republic Day in 50 years when there will be no chief guest. This year, Republic Day celebration is witnessing several firsts, including shorter route for the parade, fewer spectators, no chief guest, no motorcycle stunts, no bravery awards, smaller marching contingents, no children below 15 and elderly with comorbidities in the annual parade.