Incredible India: When I almost shook hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Republic Day Parade!

Last Updated on June 21, 2017 by

Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!I have been watching India’s Republic Day parade on TV since childhood. Celebrated every year on 26th January, the Republic Day parade of India is spectacular. What I didn’t know was that watching it live would be a different experience altogether. A better one rather!

DISCLAIMER: All the photographs I have shared except two group selfies are issued by DPR (Defence PR). 

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

I attended my first (and India’s 68th) Republic Day parade on 26th January, 2017. It was a cold morning but not as cold as it should have been by New Delhi winter standards. Blame the global warming, I was told, New Delhi used to be very cold and misty on 26th January not so long ago. We reached early to grab our seats. It was easier for us since we had the Press pass. Scores of regular people filled the roads near the Rajpath. As our car maneuvered through tsunami of humanity who were heading for the parade early morning, I couldn’t help but admire the enthusiasm people had for the Republic Day celebrations. Delhi Traffic Police had made special arrangements to ensure smooth traffic.

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

People across the classes filled each and every seat on the two seating enclosures on either side of the road which was transformed into a grand ramp for the parades which would follow shortly. Despite the bifurcation in the seating arrangements (Press/Diplomats/Politicians/Regular People), the Republic Day parade is a big leveller. I realized this few minutes later when all of them cheered in the same tone at the processions which passed the respective seating enclosures.

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

We reached early morning, much before the scheduled program, so that we could grab the best possible seats. We were in the media enclosure. Exactly opposite us were the VIP enclosures of Indian diplomats, politicians and the contingent of the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest at the 68th Republic Day celebrations of India was His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi accompanied by Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces. Some of the members from the UAE contingent sat next to us in the media enclosure.

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Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

There was still time for the parades to start. I was overhearing others in the enclosure to while away time. I was amused to see that most of the people were eager to see the very popular Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. As much as Indians were excited to see the parades, they were equally charged up to get a glimpse of Mr. Modi. In India, we have termed his immense popularity as ‘Modi Wave’. I realized that Modi wave is for real when thousands of Indians started chanting ‘Modi, Modi’ as soon as a pink turban grabbed all the attention at the VIP enclosure, right opposite us. The brightly colored turban which Mr. Modi wore, made it easy for all to identify and track his movement. After exchanging greetings, the Prime Minister received the President and the chief guest.

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Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi With erstwhile Indian President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

The P.M., president and the chief guest then proceeded to the rostrum to unfurl the National Flag. Every one stood when the band started playing Indian National Anthem Jan Gan Man and a 21 gun salute is fired. (No. There were no up-nosed pretentious intellectual types who had problem in standing up for the National Anthem. Not even one!) The spectacular Republic Day parades commences right after this. What followed next will forever remain etched in my memory. The magnitude of it all numbed me with joy!

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

There is this stupid (in my opinion) debate going on in India about why we should not be a nationalist. I have always taken pride in being an Indian. The parade showcased all that which makes India a great nation and an unmistakable force in not just Asia but world. The parade rises above the sensationalist newspaper headlines and vacuous viral sites click baits and reaffirms strongly what India is actually all about. The thumping, the sound of National Anthem, the synchronized steps, the glimpses of prominent states of India, the music of the bands and the muscle power of the military filled in me a sense of pride which I never felt before. It was refreshing to feel proud of your country and chant Jai Hind along-with thousands of others without any guilt. According to the silly and pretentious intellectual class of India, even feeling patriotic is regressive!

It was like a flashback of my 10 years of travel in to the heart and soul of 22 states and Union Territories of India.  It was a reassurance that India is above all the petty politics, orchestrated controversies, inane debates and simplistic generalization. India is not easy to understand even for its inhabitants. It is a complex case study a glimpse of which I enjoyed during the overwhelming parades.

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

WHY I MISSED SHAKING HANDS WITH MR. NARENDRA MODI:

Being a travel writer and blogger, I get easy access to celebrities. Those are the perks of my job. However, you will hardly see me taking selfies with celebrities. I don’t even get a high standing next to celebs anymore. That said, the moment I saw the first glimpse of India’s popular Prime Minister Mr. Modi, I turned in to a hyper teenager. I was literally shaking with joy and had real goose bumps! I think the last time that happened was when I saw Amitabh Bachchan and talked to Juhi Chawla many years ago. I joined the crowd and chanted ‘Modi, Modi’ expecting him to cross the road and shake hands with me. He didn’t. He moved on to complete the Republic Day formalities until….

Once the awe inspiring parade got over, the crowd started to leave. Mr. Modi, I assumed had left as well. The pink turban was nowhere to be seen. Expecting a mad rush at the exit gate, I decided to leave too. Just when I was relieving myself in a makeshift loo nearby, I heard a ‘Modi, Modi’ cry once again. It was too late for me. I had hard earned that 2 minute spot in the loo. Holding myself since winter morning, I had to make justice of the spot I usurped from the hundreds of others in the queue, who had waged a battle with their bladders.

By the time I was out, the wave had plummeted but not the sunshine smile on people’s face. I was heart-broken to know that the exact enclosure where I was seated was chosen by Mr. Modi for a handshake. I had missed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and hated myself (and my enthusiastic bladder) at that moment. He was there, up, close and personal while I was caged in a dark cubicle some metres away. I resolved in that very moment that I will be back next year, for another heart stopping parade and of course a hand shake.

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Veterans’ Tableau- Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

THE COLORFUL TABLEAUX AKA JHANKIS OF REPUBLIC DAY, INDIA

Everyone’s favourite part, the popular ‘jhankis’ of Indian Republic Day celebrations display the social, cultural, technological and economic facets of present day India. Not only does it present a glimpse of India’s rich traditions, diversity and culture, it also highlights India’s glorious past while keeping an eye on its future advancements and progress. Apart from the state tableaux, the other Tableaux on display were Khadi, Model Schools of Delhi, Ministry of Finance, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) – Housing for all, CSIR at 75: Touching lives, Clean India-Green India, Transforming India through Skill Development.

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

Below is a list of state tableaux during the India Republic Day celebrations, 26th January 2017

ODISHA- The theme was Dola Jatra. It is a popular festival which signifies the ultimate journey of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna for ultimate union in tradition of Bhakti Cult.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH- It presented the Yak dance performed by the Monpa tribe during the LOsar Festival (February-March)

MAHARASHTRA – My favourite tableaux it displayed the mind blowing malla-khamb. A huge statue of noted freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak celebrated his 160th birth anniversary

MANIPUR- It presented the Lai Haraoba (‘Happiness of the Gods)- touted as one of the world’s oldest ritualistic theatres of the world, preserved by Meitiei community of the state.

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Me and my friends at the Republic Day Parade of India in Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi Left to Right (From Top row) – Ms. T Usha, Me, Shweta Tiwari, Dipanshu Goyal, Swati Jain, Mr Mukesh Kaushik, Mrs. Alka Kaushik.  Selfie by: Mr. Mukesh Kaushik

GUJARAT- It showcased one of my favourite region of India- Kutch. It reflected the local crafts and the colorful lifestyle.

LAKSHADWEEP- It showed the fragile eco system of the remote Indian island and the water sports activities possible here.

KARNATAKA- It displayed the traditional ritualistic folk dance of Goravas, the worshippers of Lord Shiva.

HIMACHAL PRADESH – It focused on Chamba Rumal It is a pahari handkerchief making art with its roots in the 18th century.

HARYANA- ‘Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao’ (Save daughter-Educate Daughter) was the main theme.

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

WEST BENGAL- It showcased ‘Sharod Utsav’ the autumn festival and Durga Puja. Dhunuchi aarti, dance and songs completed the Bengal experience.

PUNJAB- Vibrant and energetic ‘Jago Aaiya’ dance and a display of rural Punjabi lifestyle marked this tableau.

TAMIL NADU- This tableau presented the Karakattam dance, an ancient dance form where dancers hold ‘Karakam’ on their heads. It is performed during the Amman temple festivals in the rural part of Tamil Nadu.

GOA – Rich musical and cultural heritage of Goa was presented in this tableau. A peacock shaped Sangodd carried a lady playing guitar and a man playing a ghumat.

TRIPURA- Not much is known about Tripura to the outside world. This tableau displayed their Reang Tribal dance using a combination of live and sculptural forms. This dance is performed on the occasion of Hojagiri festival

JAMMU AND KASHMIR-It was one of the most visually appealing tableaux. It displayed the winter sports of Kashmir with a snow clad Gulmarg as its center of attraction.

ASSAM- The Kamakhya Temple was the main theme of the tableau. Situated in Guwahati, it is one of the most prominent Shaktipeeths of India.

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

Below is a chronological flow of events as they unfolded before my eyes post the inaugural showering of flower petals by Helicopters:

 Army parades:

  • United Arab Emirates’ Band and Marching Contingent.
  • Mounted Columns- 61 cavalry
  • Mechanised Columns – Tanl T- 90 (Bhishma)
  • Ballway Machine Pikate
  • BRAHMOS
  • Weapon locating RADAR Swathi
  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear Recce Vehicle.
  • Tranportable Satellite Terminal (DCN)
  • AKASH
  • DHANUSH Gun System
  • Fly Past by Advanced Light Helicopters.
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United Arab Emirates’ Band and Marching Contingent. The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi! Incredible India!

Marching Contingents:

 

  • Mechanised Infantry Contingent
  • Armoured Cops Centre and School Mechanised Infantry Regiment Centre
  • Bihar Regiment Centre Contingent
  • 39 Gorkha Training Centre Contingent.
  • Punjab Regiment Centre, Sikh Regiment Centre
  • 58 Gorkha Training Centre Contingent.
  • Madras Engineers Group Contingent.
  • Bihar Regiment Centre Ladakh Scouts.
  • Territorial Army Contingent (103 Infantry Bn. SIKH LI)
  • Veterans’ Tableau
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Motor Cycle Display (Army- CMP) Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!

NAVY

 

  • Naval Brass band
  • Navy Marching Contingent
  • Tableau (Indian Navy- Professional Force- Anchoring Stability, Security and National Prosperity)

AIR FORCE

  • Air Force Marching contingent.
  • Air force band
  • Tableau (Air Dominance through Network Centric Operations)

DRDO

  • Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
  • Medium Power RADAR – Arudhra

PARA- MILITARY AND OTHER AUXILIARY CIVIL FORCES

  • BSF Camel Contingent
  • BSF Camel band
  • Coast Guard Marching Contingent
  • CRPF Band
  • CRPF Marching contingent
  • CISF Band
  • CISF Marching Contingent
  • Delhi Police Band
  • Delhi Police Marching Contingent
  • National Security Guard Contingent & Mounted Column

 

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Me and my friends at the Republic Day Parade of India in Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi Left to Right (From Top)- Mrs. Alka Kaushik, Mr Mukesh Kaushik, Me, Saurabh Arya, Swati Jain, Ms. T Usha, . Selfie by: Saurabh Arya

NATIONAL CADET CORPS (NCC)

  • Band: Boys (NCC)
  • Boys’ marching Contingent
  • Band: Girls (NCC)
  • Girls’ Marching Contingent

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS)

  • Massed Pipes and Drums Band
  • National service Scheme Marching Contingent

THE CULTURAL PAGEANT

  • Tableaux: 23 ‘jhanki’ performed this year.
  • National Bravery Award Winning Children In Open Jeeps
  • School Children’s performance
  • Motor Cycle Display (Army- CMP)
  • Fly Past
  • Release of Balloons

Picture Credit: All the photographs I have shared except two selfies are issued by DPR (Defence PR). 

Special Thanks to Mrs. Alka Kaushik and Mr. Mukesh kaushik for making this dream a reality for me. Mrs. Alka runs a vibrant group dedicated to Travl called TCBG aka Travel Correspondents and Bloggers group.

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Motor Cycle Display (Army- CMP) The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi! Incredible India!

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58 thoughts on “Incredible India: When I almost shook hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Republic Day Parade!”

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  3. The photos are amazing, the parade is definitely something worth capturing! And your reason, don’t even get me started. I hope you get another opportunity soon!

  4. siddharthandshruti

    This must have been an amazing experience! Love your photos. Have only managed to see the parade on TV so far.

  5. Abhinav, even I have been watching Republic Day celebrations since childhood and my enthusiasm for it has never decreased. We guys too planned this year to witness it live but anyhow couldn’t make up.I can very well imagine the thrill and patriotic feeling you experienced while watching it live. Hope to be there next time and see you guys too.

  6. Watching the Republic Day Parade live in Delhi is indeed a great experience. I have not had occasion to experience the thrill of being there personally till now. It has been only the television version of the extravaganza that has held me in thrall. Hope to get there in person someday.

  7. Stunning captures Abhinav. Wish you had held on longer 😉 to meet Modi. I can sense your pride through this piece and rightly so. I would be overwhelmed too. I hope someday I visit this parade in person and get to see it all for myself.

  8. Beautiful pictures of the parade. We never miss to switch on the TV during the parades of Republic and Independence day. Your narration once again brought the same kind of feelings that we get while watching it live.

  9. I had a chuckle out loud when I read your comment about Amitabh Bachchan!

    It looks an incredible display, however I am curious as to why it is paraded as a display of force, and not with each Indian state instead performing a cultural march or dance?

  10. I have seen the parade on television so many times but I am sure the real thing is absolutely different. I have attended a similar event in Malaysia but not in India. This is one of the best experiences you have had in Delhi. I so missed it. The list of state tableaux makes me want to go next year for sure. It makes us proud of our country for all its glories.

  11. crosswordlife1

    Just look at the beauty of those parades! I will love to if I get a chance to go there and see it once.

  12. Its been such a long time since i saw this even on TV. Its great that you decided to watch it live. You have covered the parade in great detail. Some of the photographs look sooo stunning

  13. You are lucky to watch our prestigious 26th Jan event personally. I always watch it on TV and my favorite part is Gujarat. It is really very sad that you could not shook hands with Mr. Modi even once I also missed this opportunity which I regret now also. I am feeling homesick after reading this. Lovely shots of our great country.

  14. Claire Summers

    this looks INCREDIBLE! My mum is a big fan of the British Royal Family and I’ve lost count of a number of events I’ve been to watch things like this. But this is another level! Those guys on the bikes! Wow. What an experience,

  15. Its really a matter of pride to be able to attend the parade.. i wish to witness it some day… And I would any time miss shaking hands with the PM if I get to see the up close view of the parade 😛

  16. themormonadventurista

    Bummer that you missed the handshake, but I’m sure you felt better! The parades looked amazing and the uniformity of the marchers was really impressive. I’m glad you had a great time!

  17. I was amazed by the photos and the disciplined steps of the soldiers in the parade! It’s nice to hear how proud you are of your country. Sorry to hear you missed a handshake with Mr Modi, it’s so typical that nature calls at such moments 😀 Hope you can train your bladder for next year 😉

  18. Wow, what a site to behold! I admire the riders of the bikes. I can’t imagine how they balance so many people on one bike. It’s a shame that you missed out on shaking his hand. There’s always next time!

  19. You have captured amazing pictures of the parade. I was laughing but feel terrible at the same time you missed the handshake opportunity with Mr. Modi. I can tell how much you want that handshake the way you told the story. Glad you had a great experience and please do return next year and do the handshake with him

    1. Yes, I am a huge fan of PM Modi. He is the only reason why I will go back. And to clarify: These images are by Defense PR (as mentioned in the top and bottom of the blog as well)

  20. I cracked up while reading the reason why you missed shaking hands with Mr. Modi! 😀 Lol we really have to make hard choices sometimes in life. You have captured excellent pictures of the entire event!

    1. Haha. It was such a silly reason why I had to miss this opportunity. Never mind. Next time. To clarify : I have not taken these pictures. I mentioned in the blog as well that the picture credit belongs to DPR (Defense PR)

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