The Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the State capital was taken over by armed and police contingents as they hit the road for a full dress rehearsal on Sunday morning ahead of the State-level Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Four bands and 14 contingents, two from Central agencies and 12 from State police and Fire Services, participated in the rehearsal. IPS officer S Sushree, who has been engaged as the parade commander, also attended the rehearsal parade.
However, there will be no large gathering and participation of general public or school students in the event this year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The State Government has also prohibited any cultural programme or display of tableaus at the State as well as district-level celebrations.
As many as 25 platoons of police force will be deployed during the Republic Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar. The entire area will be under CCTV surveillance and a control room will also be set up near the parade area to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.