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Republic Day Enclosures Named After Rivers to End VIP Culture, Says Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced that all enclosures for the Republic Day parade will be named after Indian rivers, a move intended to end VIP culture. Enclosures for the Beating Retreat ceremony will similarly be named after musical instruments. The announcement included a post-event cleanliness campaign involving NCC cadets and volunteers. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

Key Points: Republic Day VIP Culture Ends as Enclosures Named After Rivers

  • End VIP culture at Republic Day
  • Enclosures named after Indian rivers
  • Beating Retreat enclosures after musical instruments
  • Cleanup by NCC & volunteers
  • EU leaders as Chief Guests
2 min read

All enclosures for Republic Day parade named after Indian rivers "to end VIP culture": Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary announces Republic Day parade enclosures named after Indian rivers and Beating Retreat enclosures after musical instruments to end VIP culture.

"This year, to end the VIP culture, we have named all our enclosures... after Indian rivers - Rajesh Kumar Singh"

New Delhi, January 16

Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday announced a move to end the "VIP culture" during the annual parade at Kratavya Path, as they would now be named after Indian rivers. Enclosures for the Beating Retreat will be named after musical instruments.

"This year, to end the VIP culture, we have named all our enclosures for the Republic Day parade after Indian rivers and the enclosures for the Beating Retreat ceremony after musical instruments", he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted the commitment to cleanliness by announcing that a campaign would run after the events on January 26 and 30.

"NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers would remove the waste from the Kratavya Path and surrounding areas", he added.

India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with elaborate parades, cultural displays, and a showcase of India's defence capabilities. The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators, both in-person and via live broadcasts.

Rehearsals for the parade are underway on Kartavya Path as preparations continue for the national celebrations.

Meanwhile, the sale of tickets for the Republic Day parade, the full dress rehearsal of the Beating Retreat, and the main Beating Retreat ceremony commenced on January 5.

For the Republic Day parade, tickets are priced at Rs 20 and Rs 100. Tickets for the full dress rehearsal of Beating Retreat will be available at Rs 20, while tickets for the Beating Retreat ceremony are priced at Rs 100.

European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27 and will be Chief Guests on Republic Day.

During the visit, the leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit to be held on January 27. They will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but is this really ending VIP culture? The culture is about access and privileges, not just names. Hope the common citizen finds it easier to get tickets and good seats now.
A
Aman W
Love the idea of naming Beating Retreat enclosures after musical instruments like tabla and sitar! It connects our military tradition with our rich cultural arts. The cleanliness drive by volunteers is also much needed.
S
Sarah B
As a visitor, I think this makes the event more accessible and interesting for everyone. The ticket prices are very reasonable. Looking forward to watching the parade!
V
Vikram M
Symbolism is fine, but the real test is on the ground. Will a regular family from say, Ghaziabad, be able to easily book a Rs 20 ticket online without a "connection"? That's how you end VIP culture.
K
Kavya N
Proud to see NCC cadets involved in the cleanliness drive. It teaches young citizens responsibility. Hoping the focus on our rivers also reminds everyone to keep them clean! 🙏

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