Wet boots marching on the ‘Kartavya Path’ today, at the full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade, was a mesmerising sight. The parade of soldiers in soaked uniforms and military vehicles advanced through the wet and windy conditions as the officers on foot, on horseback and atop tankers moved in formation, unbothered by the lashing rain.
Even the slippery ground and drenched uniforms could not halt the soldiers’ footsteps and their ‘josh’. They still marched with energy and precision. Commands rang out clearly across the parade route, cutting through the sound of rain and wind.
Formations remained tight and steps perfectly timed as the troops continued rehearsing for the Republic Day celebrations. Patriotic songs and narrations played across Kartavya Path as different Army regiments carried on with the rehearsal.
The floats of ‘Operation Sindoor’, BrahMos and other military missile systems passed by during the parade.
Along the route, security personnel from the Delhi Police and other agencies were seen in raincoats, closely monitoring the area and maintaining security protocols despite the persistent rain. Personnel remained stationed at key points along the boulevard throughout the rehearsal. People who came to watch the rehearsal remained seated even as the rain continued. Many used umbrellas, caps and plastic sheets to protect themselves, while others adjusted their seating and belongings as the rain passed.
Some briefly took shelter under temporary covers, while others chose to remain seated, unwilling to miss the march past.
The IMD said the sky remained cloudy, with one or two spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 km per hour during the early to forenoon hours. The rainfall recorded between 8:30 am and 11:30 am showed Palam receiving 12.6 mm, Janakpuri 12.5 mm, Lodi Road 11.8 mm, Ridge 11.4 mm and Safdarjung 8.6 mm, while Mayur Vihar recorded 4 mm.
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