India celebrates 26th January as its Republic Day. On that day, in 1950 the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India, with a democratic form of government. Today, India is the largest democracy in the world.
Every year, on 26th January, a grand parade is held in the national capital, New Delhi to celebrate the occasion.
A similar parade, though on a much lower scale is also held in different state capitals of the country, including Kolkata (Calcutta), which is the Capital of West Bengal.Preparations for the parade start weeks ahead, culminating on the D-Day. I have never been able to get hold of a pass to see the parade on 26th January, but I was walking around the Maidan area one early foggy morning in January, photographing the morning walkers, when I saw that the parade preparations were in full swing. It was like a carnival at that early morning, with all the soldiers and policemen and school-children, practicing their steps and waiting for their group’s turn to march.
For me this was a perfect setting, because, unlike on the 26th when all roads would have been closed not just for vehicles but also people walking, on this Saturday morning, I was actually able to walk alongside the participants while they practiced the march past.
Here are some of those moments captured.
These two boys were diligently practicing their steps on Queen’s Way, which had been closed to traffic.
Steadying the flag
left..right…left
School-children waiting their turn to march
Hundreds of school-chidren brave the morning chill to come for the practice everyday
The girl in the last row mistook me for a journalist, and pleaded, “Please do publish one photo of me…no one takes photos of people standing at the back!”…I had to oblige her! 🙂
Red Royal Enfield bikes are the signature of Kolkata Police…and they really look commanding in these!
The Bagpipers
And…the drummers
The starting point
Marching by…
Time to call it a day….
Hope you enjoyed this, rehearsal of the Indian Republic Day.
Know-All's Box 
Wow, i love the way you have treated the photos. With the different shadings, the essence of what’s taking place comes out even better. And the last girl in the row got her wish! 🙂
Thank you Snowflake!! Really glad that you like the photos! And yes, couldn’t possibly have said no to the girl..gotta be chivalrous!! 😀
Well it looks like you certainly got the attention of the girls in image No.5! So nice.
It is such a different feel watching this is black and white to. The first image really stands out with the fog making it extra interesting. Great post, lucky you were there!
Cheers
Thank you Belinda! Really glad at your positive feedback! And the girls….well, they were actually showering their attention to my camera…not me!! 😀
Reblogged this on Oyia Brown and commented:
Being in the right place at the right time!
Absolutely…I really got lucky with this one!! Thanks again for the re-blog! 🙂
I especially like the first photo and it provides a striking contrast to what was to follow.
I agree…the first one is…more stark! Glad you liked it! Thank you!
awesome!!!
thank you kind sir! 🙂
You’re right – up close and personal! And such atmospheric shots. Thanks for bringing us there!
Thanks a lot! It was quite a lucky break for me to be there! 🙂
Reblogged this on CultureGeek and commented:
Reblogging this post with it’s exceptional photographs of the Republic Day in India. The photos are beautiful and almost haunting and seem to tell a story of their own. Thanks Know-All! 🙂
Thank you SO much, Snowflake! 🙂 🙂
Thank you for sharing these…
Thank you! Glad that you liked it!
When I was in Delhi I loved to get up early in the morning and spend time out in the streets before life began and the places rapidly filled up with people. The cold, winter fog and quietness were quite nice.
I also enjoy not just photographing but, witnessing any city waking up and coming to life! In fact, wherever I go, I make it a point to wake up early and go out for a walk( helps to be an early riser) 🙂
Love all these and I absolutely love the way you captured the light in the first photo. Spectacular!
Amazing Blog,very clean ans stylish,I like,Regards
Thanks a lot! Really glad that you liked my blog! 🙂
Beautiful images and great use of light 🙂
Thanks a lot! 🙂
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