Homage Ceremony at National War Memorial:
Republic Day Celebrations commence with the homage ceremony at National War Memorial (NWM), wherein the Prime Minister lays the wreath. An Inter Services Guard comprising of 21 inner guards (seven from each Service) along with six buglers (two from each Service) are in attendance. Inner guards from the IAF will consist of One Sergeant and six Corporals & below. The Inter Services Guards will present “Salami Shastra” followed by “Shok Shastra”.
Simultaneously, the buglers will sound the “Last Post”. Thereafter, two minutes silence will be observed. On completion of silence, the guards will present “Salami Shastra” followed by “ShokShastra” and the buglers will sound “Rouse”. The Prime Minister thereafter will move towards the exit of NWM for endorsing his remarks on the Visitor’s book.
IAF Marching Contingent:
The Republic Day Parade commences after the flag hoisting ceremony at ‘Kartavya Path’ The parade will be commanded by General Officer Commanding, Delhi area with Chief of Staff, as the parade second-in-Command. After unfurling the National Flag, the Hon’ble President receives the salute. The IAF marching contingent comprises of four officers (One Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 airmen. The Contingent Commander would be Squadron leader Mahender Singh with Flt lt Damini Deshmukh , Flt Lt Nepo Moirangthem, , Fg Offr Abhinav Ghosh as supernumerary officers. The Air Force Contingent marches abreast in a 12 by 12 formation to the tunes played by the IAF band, consisting of 72 musicians consisting of 22 AGV and three drum majors lead by Sgt Charles Anthony Daniel.The band would be playing the tune ‘Sound Barrier’ as it crosses the Presidential dais.
Beating The Retreat Ceremony:
Beating The Retreat ceremony is conducted at Vijay Chowk on 27 January 25 (FDR), 28 January 25 and 29 January 25 (Final). The IAF Band comprising 121 musicians would be performing that day.
Fly Past:
A total of 40 aircraft, including 22 fighter aircraft, 11 transport aircraftand seven helicopters will participate in this years’ Republic Day flypast. These aircrafts will operate from 10 different bases. The participating aircraft will fly in 12 formations.
