Republic Day 2024: Here is the list of previous chief guests and traffic rules in New Delhi

India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day on Friday. It is celebrated every year on 26 January and marks the adoption of the Constitution of India, which came into force in 1950.

This year, the parade on the Path of Duty will be women-centric and will begin with 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments. Officials said that for the first time, an all-women tri-service contingent will be part of the country’s biggest event.

Republic Day celebrations are marked by various events, mainly focusing on the grand parade on the duty path in New Delhi. The President of India hoists the national flag at the Rajpath, followed by a ceremonial march past and tableaus of the states and union territories.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. He is the sixth French leader to grace this prestigious annual event.

Former Chief Guest on Republic Day

Here is the list of Republic Day chief guests over the years:

1. Republic Day Parade 2023: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
2. Republic Day Parade 2022: No guests due to Covid-19 pandemic
3. Republic Day Parade 2021: No guests due to Covid-19 pandemic
4. Republic Day Parade 2020: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
5. Republic Day Parade 2019: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
6. Republic Day Parade 2018: Ten guests – heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
7. Republic Day Parade 2017: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
8. Republic Day Parade 2016: French President Francois Hollande
9. Republic Day Parade 2015: US President Barack Obama
10. Republic Day Parade 2014: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe
11. Republic Day Parade 2013: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan
12. Republic Day Parade 2012: Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra

Republic Day 2024: How is the chief guest chosen?

The selection of the chief guest takes six months and the entire process is controlled by the Ministry of External Affairs. Things that are considered before extending an invitation are the country’s relationship with India and its political, economic, military and commercial interests.

The Ministry of External Affairs prepares a list of potential candidates and then sends it to the President and Prime Minister for approval. After approval, the invitation is sent to the head of state or government and their availability is checked.

After confirmation of their availability, official communication with the invitee’s country proceeds.

Republic Day: Traffic rules in New Delhi

Vehicular movement was affected near India Gate in central Delhi on Tuesday due to the full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade. Heavy traffic was also reported at the Delhi-Gurgaon border and people told X about bumper-to-bumper jams on this stretch.

Traffic was affected on C-Hexagon, Ashok Road and Rafi Marg near Krishi Bhawan. Traffic police personnel were deployed to control the movement of vehicles on these routes. Traffic was also affected on Outer Ring Road and near Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Sarai Kale Khan, ITO, near Zoo Red Light Traffic, Majnu Ka Tila and Paharganj to Ajmeri Gate flyover etc.

Delhi Traffic Police has cautioned commuters about the traffic situation near DND toll booths. Some commuters said there were long queues at the entry and exit gates of the Central Secretariat Metro station as many people tried to avoid the traffic.

The rehearsal began at 10:30 am on Tuesday from Vijay Chowk and ended at the Red Fort via Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Statue Square, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg.

According to the advisory issued on Monday, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or the like sub- Flight of conventional aerial platforms. Para jumping from aircraft is banned in the National Capital Region of Delhi till 15 February.

Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police said they have set up a help desk to facilitate visitors on Republic Day.