Patriotic Fervour Fills Kartavya Path as First-Timers Witness Republic Day Spectacle
As Kartavya Path overflowed with patriotic energy on the 77th Republic Day, numerous first-time visitors immersed themselves in the grand spectacle, knowing they were creating memories to treasure forever. For many attendees, this celebration of India's constitutional values would remain etched in their minds as a truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Families Celebrate with Pride and Joy
Among the emotional attendees was 40-year-old Momina Khatoon from Seelampur, whose pride was visible as two of her sons—21-year-old Sajid and 22-year-old Shahid—had secured invitations through an essay competition on Vande Mataram. Each pass permitted entry for two people, enabling Momina to attend with her eldest son, 26-year-old Saif.
"The day brings together people from different backgrounds and gives a sense of patriotism," Momina shared, reflecting on this special moment and her sons' remarkable achievement.
Thirty-two-year-old Surya, originally from Kollam in Kerala, attended the parade with her six-year-old daughter while her husband works at the Army headquarters in Delhi. Witnessing the parade up close filled her with immense joy.
"It was a superb event! I am glad I could give my daughter this experience," she exclaimed, her excitement mirroring the vibrant energy surrounding them.
Educational Trips Create Lasting Impressions
School groups significantly contributed to the lively atmosphere at Kartavya Path. Zarnaben, a 37-year-old science teacher at Gandhinagar International Public School, arrived in Delhi on January 22nd with 97 students, planning to return to Gujarat late Monday evening.
She explained that her school actively encourages teachers and students who haven't previously witnessed the parade to participate in such educational excursions. "When children get a chance like this, they should see it firsthand. It is a memorable experience," Zarnaben emphasized.
One of her students, 15-year-old Diya Patel, echoed this sentiment, stating: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this with my friends."
Dreams Realized After Years of Waiting
For numerous first-time visitors, the Republic Day parade represented a long-awaited dream finally coming true. Thirty-five-year-old Mona Kumari from Gulabi Bagh traveled alone, wearing a specially purchased tricolour outfit for the occasion. She described visiting Rajpath and the surrounding market area as "truly memorable."
"I have been wanting to see the Republic Day parade from the front for the past five years. Until now, I used to watch it only on television. This year, I decided I would not miss the chance," she revealed, her excitement clearly evident.
Sharing similar feelings was 42-year-old Ravi Kumar, a small business owner from Rohini. "I have attended the Republic Day parade for the first time, and it is an experience I will cherish," he said with a smile. He recalled watching in awe as armed forces marched past, aircraft performed flypasts overhead, and beautifully designed tableaux rolled by.
Comparing the television experience with being physically present, Kumar added: "Being here feels much more powerful." According to him, the palpable sense of discipline, unity, and national pride in the atmosphere would remain with him forever—a feeling he described as "unforgettable."
A Celebration of Unity and Heritage
Across Kartavya Path, the contagious energy left first-time visitors with cherished memories of a day that beautifully celebrated India's unity, rich heritage, and deep patriotism. The spectacular display left many hoping they might witness such grandeur again in the future, carrying forward the spirit of Republic Day long after the celebrations concluded.
