Rain and Chill Can't Stop Crowds at Republic Day Rehearsal

With India’s 77th Republic Day just days away, the national capital witnessed remarkable public enthusiasm during the full dress rehearsal held at Kartavya Path on Thursday. Despite persistent rain, thunderstorms, and biting winter cold, spectators arrived in large numbers to witness the final preparations for the iconic parade.

Heavy showers swept across Delhi-NCR in the early hours, but the inclement weather failed to deter citizens. Visuals from the venue showed people wrapped in shawls and raincoats, seated patiently in the stands. A video shared by PTI on social media captured the resilient spirit of the audience, quickly gaining widespread attention online.

The full dress rehearsal commenced at 10:30 am, following the ceremonial route from Vijay Chowk to the Red Fort. The rehearsal serves as the final comprehensive run-through before the grand parade on January 26, which will highlight India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and national achievements.

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According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, entry to the seating enclosures on January 23 was strictly regulated through e-invitations and admit cards issued by the Ministry of Defence. Free passes were also made available to the public through the Amantran Portal, ensuring broad public participation.

To facilitate smooth conduct of the event, authorities issued detailed traffic advisories across central Delhi. Commuters were advised to avoid the parade route and use alternate roads during the rehearsal hours, as security arrangements and crowd management measures remained tight.

The spirited turnout, even under challenging weather conditions, reflected the deep sense of patriotism among citizens and set the tone for the grand Republic Day celebrations scheduled for January 26.

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