Marine Drive, also known as Queen’s Necklace, came alive on Sunday morning, as contingents of three Indian armed forces joined the Mumbai police and fire brigade in the first-ever Republic Day parade organised along the 4.3 km stretch of picturesque promenade in south Mumbai.
Held along the lines of the parades held on the Rajpath in the national capital, the spectacular R-Day parade along the Marine Drive attracted thousands of people from across the metropolis. The crowds were thrilled to hilt as the Army, Navy and Indian Air Force, accompanied by CISF, Mumbai police and fire brigade personnel displayed their might during the parade.
This was the first year that the Republic Day parade was organised along the Marine Drive. The parade used to be held earlier at the traditional venue of Shivaji Park in north-central Mumbai.
The event began with Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan unfurling the national flag and playing of the anthem, on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the Republic of India. The Governor later took the salute from a ceremonial parade.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Mumbai Mayor Sunil Prabhu, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Mohit Shah, and other dignitaries were present on the dais, as the Governor took the salute. The Governor’s wife Radha Sankaranarayanan was also present on the occasion.
As the contingents of three armed forces, Mumbai police and fire brigade personnel marched along the Marine Drive promenade, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter flying past the area showered flowers on the parade. The parade showcased the military might of the Indian Army and other defence forces and also highlighted the prowess of CISF and Mumbai police, even as thousands of people thronging on each other side of the Marine Drive watched the proceedings.
The Government departments and Ministries put up 25 tableaux highlighting State level achievements. There were also cultural shows including traditional Maharashtrian dances depicting the State’s rich culture and heritage.