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India is gearing up to celebrate its 70th Republic Day on 26th January 2019, a day that commemorates the coming to effect of the Constitution of India. The event is celebrated with a great aplomb every year, with several esteemed national and international politicians and diplomats gracing the occasion. The Republic Day parade, displaying colourful floats from different states and regions of the country, is watched by millions on their television screen, apart from the few who get the chance to visit India Gate for the festivities. A number of cultural performances and acrobats are put together for the entertainment of guests and the army and the air force of the country put up a show of their military might through a range of coordinated land and aerial acts.
The Beating Retreat
However, the tickets to this prestigious event get sold out as soon as they go on sale. If you are in India and would like to be part of the festivities, we have a great alternative for you. On the 3rd day after the Republic Day, the Beating Retreat ceremony is held in the Raisina Hill and the adjacent Vijay Chowk, where the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force put up a performance for the President of India and other esteemed guests. Popular patriotic tunes such as ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘Saare Jahan Se Achcha’ are performed by pipe and drum bands as well as buglers and trumpeters from several army, air force and navy regiments. While this is a closed event, tickets to the full dress rehearsal are available until 3 p.m. on January 28, 2019 at North Block Roundabout, Sena Bhawan (Gate 2), Pragati Maidan (Gate 1 at Bhairon Road), Jantar Mantar (Main Gate), Shastri Bhawan (near Gate 3), Jamnagar House (opposite India Gate), Red Fort (inside August 15 Park and opposite Jain Temple) and the Parliament House Reception Office, special counter for Members of Parliament. Unlike the Republic Day parade, the tickets to this event are not reserved. Therefore, no matter when you have purchased your ticket, if you make it to the venue on time, you will be able to watch the ceremony.
Popular Attractions You Can Visit
Republic Day in India is one of the best times to visit monuments and attractions in Delhi that hold national importance to the country as activity surges around these areas. Some of the best attractions to visit include the India Gate, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament House, all located in close proximity to each other. One can take a day trip to popular historical attractions in Delhi including Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodi Gardens, Lotus Temple and Agrasen ki Baoli. If you are looking to take a tour of popular religious attractions, the Cathedral Church of Redemption, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Laxminarayan Temple are all located at a close distance to Raisina Hills.