New Delhi: 67 years ago, India celebrated it's first ever Republic Day on 26th January, 1950.
Every year since then, our Republic Day parade displays a microcosm of India’s diversity, culture, artillery, and skills, making it a celebration like none other.
But ever wonder how India’s first Republic Day would have been?
3,000 officers and men of the three armed services and the police took part in the ceremonial parade. Around 15,000 people who had gathered at the amphitheatre witnessed the historic moment.
Adding to the splendour of the occasion was the President's procession passing through the streets of Delhi. As it made its way through the Irwin amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium), chants of 'jai' echoed through the streets.
The marching of troops at the amphitheatre against the backdrop of the Old Fort and Rajendra Prasad taking a ceremonial ride at the Vijay Chowk without any security cover, today stand as signatures of that historic day.
Sukarno, who was Indonesia's president then, was the chief guest for the event.
In this archival video online, watch India’s first ever Republic Day celebrations, with its then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
