Rajpath, now known as Kartavya Path, hosts first Republic Day parade since name change

Kartavya Path's maiden January 26 parade is among several ‘firsts’ that are on display during the parade this year.

Kartavya Path, the two-kilometre stretch between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate in the national capital, on Thursday hosted its maiden Republic Day as ‘Kartavya Path.’ Previously called Rajpath, the stretch was renamed in September last year after a revamp.

Kartavya Path hosts its first Republic Day parade (Image: Doordarshan)

Kartavya Path's first January 26 parade is among several ‘firsts’ that are on display during the parade this year. This is the first Republic Day as President for India's second female head of state (after Pratibha Patil), Droupadi Murmu, whose tenure began in July last year. Her Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is attending the festivities as chief guest, and is the first leader from his country to be invited as chief guest.

Earlier, Delhi Police issued a list of do's and don'ts for those attending the parade at Kartavya Path, and attendees have been barred from bringing certain items. Prohibited items include eatables, flasks, water bottles, cans, camera, binocular, digital diaries, i-pad, toy guns, replica fire arms, knives, scissors, razors etc.