Rafale steals Republic Day show

A shorter parade from Rajpath to National Stadium, with fewer spectators, is how India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day against the backdrop of a pandemic.

At entry gates to the venue, Covid booths and thermal screening centres were set up along with security checks. Only 25,000 people were allowed to watch the parade at Rajpath, and approximately 4,000 tickets were given to the general public. The seats were also placed a few feet apart to maintain social distancing.

This year, the motorcycle stunt show — a major attraction for spectators over the years — was cancelled in view of safety concerns due to Covid-19. In its absence, the Rafale fighter jet took centre stage, with a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manouevre that left everyone in awe.