Watching the Republic Day Parade on television sets from early in the morning is such a patriotism evoking moment. This event in Delhi is the largest and most important parade marking the celebrations of Republic Day in the country. This parade brings together the diversity we have in the country. Our defense patrols make a very important element of the parade along with our cultural and social heritage. The three-hour long parade is a spectacle to watch and makes one and all feel proud of being an Indian citizen. If watching it on tv sets can cause such an effect, it would be much more delight to watch it in real. This year India celebrates the 69th Republic Day. The ceremony will begin at 8.30 am and like every year there will be flag hoisting followed by the parade. The parade takes place along the Rajpath, on a route that is five kilometers long and goes on to the Red Fort.

Although front row seats are not possible unless you know senior government officials or VIPs. But there is a different aura in the atmosphere even if you are near to the Rajpath witnessing the parade from a distance.

Republic Day Parade Tickets

The parade tickets go on sale about two weeks prior. So currently the tickets are being sold at the following outlets:

Departmental Sale Counters at North Block roundabout, South Block roundabout, Pragati Maidan (Gate No. 1, Bhairon Road), Jantar Mantar (Main Gate), Shastri Bhawan (near Gate No. 1), India Gate (near Jamnagar House), Red Fort (near police picket). (10 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. daily).

Parliament House Reception Office. (11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Closed).

Government of India Tourist Office, 88 Janpath. (Closed Sunday).

India Tourism Development Corporation (IDTC) Travel Counters at Ashok and Janpath Hotels. (Working days only).

Delhi Tourism Development Corporation (DTDC) Counters at Coffee Home, Baba Kharag Singh Marg and Food and Craft Bazar, Dilli Haat, opposite INA Market and Shri Gandhi Ashram, Chandni Chowk. (Working days only).

You must carry your Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card or government-issued identity card to purchase a ticket.

Republic Day Parade Tickets Price

To get the best seats, you must get your tickets as soon as possible.

The reserved seats cost Rs. 500. These are near to the stage where the main show takes place. The unreserved seats cost Rs. 200, Rs. 100 and Rs. 50. And these seats are on first-come, first-serve basis. So if you have an unreserved ticket, ensure you reach the venue early so that you can choose your seat for the best possible view.

Before the final parade on 26th January, a dress rehearsal is also held before. This too is a ticketed event and you can enjoy the same. These tickets are available on the same outlets.

So if you want to experience the beauty of the cultural and defense displays, you should at least once visit this parade, which is, in fact, a mark of celebration in history. Also, electronic devices like mobile phones and cameras are strictly not allowed at the parade venue. A strict security check is done before allowing people to the venue. So it is always advisable to reach there before.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2018 04:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).