The Independence Day celebration at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi this year will be a low-key affair due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Security arrangements and preparations have been made differently keeping in mind social distancing due to the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.
Here's what to expect at this year's Independence Day.
IMAGE: A policeman stands guard outside Red Fort ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, in New Delhi. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo
1.
School children will not be a part of the annual event and the number of dignitaries on the list of invitees is likely to be much lesser.
2.
The iconic Red Fort has been kept shut for public from August 1 on wards for sanitisation and preparation ahead of the Independence Day event.
IMAGE: Indian soldiers rehearse for the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo
3.
500 NCC cadets have been called in place of the school children.
4.
Social distancing will be maintained, and the staff will be in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits.
IMAGE: Army Band members perform to honour the COVID-19 warriors as they take part in 74th Independence Day celebrations, at Tipu Sultan's summer palace in Bengaluru. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo
5.
The 74th Independence Day celebration will be marked by musical performances by the bands from the Army, Navy and Indian Air Force.
6.
Around 1,500 corona warriors have also been invited to the programme.
IMAGE: Preparations underway at Red Fort ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo
7.
More than 300 CCTV cameras have been installed inside the Red Fort. The security system has been strengthened all over Delhi, including around the Red Fort
8.
It has been learnt that 350 police personnel who will constitute the guard of honour have been kept in isolation at the newly constructed police colony in Delhi Cantonment.
IMAGE: Technicians work in the premises of Red Fort as part of preparations for the upcoming Independence day celebrations, in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo
9.
The soldiers stationed near the metal detector will be seen wearing PPE kits. Apart from this, hand sanitizers will be kept in place. The seating arrangement will be different and will be kept two yards away.
10.
Wearing a mask will be mandatory for those attending the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Not only this, entry will be given by seeing status green in the Arogya Setu app on their mobile.
IMAGE: NCC cadets take selfies after taking part in a rehearsal for the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo
11.
According to the ministry of home affairs, the theme of Independence Day celebrations this year will be based on ‘Self-reliant India’.
12.
According to the home ministry advisory, there will be ceremonies in the states and union territories after 9 o’clock in the morning. This will include the flag hoisting, the National Anthem, the Guard of Honor by the police, the chief minister’s speech and then the National Anthem.
