Port Blair, Jan 24: As of every year on 26th January, the Nation celebrates Republic Day with grandeur, gaiety, fervour and enthusiasm. This year too, the Republic Day will be celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion, however with some extra precaution and measures in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

The Govt. of India has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Republic Day celebrations as per the COVID-19 protocols by ensuring social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitisation, avoiding large gatherings, protecting vulnerable persons etc.

In the A&N Islands, as per the tradition, the National Flag would be unfurled at all Govt. offices/institutions including schools, dispensaries, post offices etc.

The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Island will grace the function at Netaji Stadium, Port Blair and will unfurl the National Flag at 8:35 am after laying wreath at the ‘Martyr’s Column’ at the National Memorial - Cellular Jail.

The parade and guard of honour will comprise of the armed contingents of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard/A&N Police and NCC alongwith their bands. In view of the COVID-19 situation no public or school children will take part in the ceremony.

The pre-Republic Day – 2021 address of the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to the residents of A&N Islands will be broadcasted/telecasted on the AIR/Doordarshan as per the below mentioned programme.

  1. Pre-Republic Day Address of Hon’ble Lt. Governor to the Islanders (25/01/2021)

 2100 hrs: Address by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor through All India Radio

On 26/01/2021

0830 hrs:               Address by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor through Doordarshan, Port Blair

The Minute-to-Minute programme of the Main Function at Netaji Stadium on 26/01/2021

0805 Hrs               : Assembly of participants for the for Fall-in-Parade    Respective Contingent reach their place

0810 Hrs               : Fall-in-Parade    Respective Contingent Commanders take charge of their contingents

0815 Hrs               : Parade Commander takes charge of the Parade. Guard and Band take position.

0820 Hrs: Hon’ble Lt. Governor leaves Raj Niwas. Pilot and two outriders escort the Hon’ble Lt. Governor

0825 Hrs: Hon’ble Lt. Governor reaches “National Memorial” Cellular Jail and places wreath at the Martyr’s Column                Action by A & N Police

0832 Hrs: Hon’ble Lt. Governor leaves for Netaji Stadium. Buglers sound fanfare, the Guard is brought to Savadhan position.

0834 Hrs: Hon’ble Lt. Governor alights from the car at the Netaji Stadium. DC (SA) and SP (SA) receive HLG and conduct him to the dais.

0835 Hrs: Unfurling of National Flag followed by flypast by MI-17 helicopter carrying National Flag.

HLG unfurls the National Flag assisted by the Yeoman. DC (SA) and SP (SA) stand on the dais behind HLG. COG orders “Guard Rashtriya Salute Salaami Shastra”

0836 Hrs to 0843 Hrs: Parade Commander orders “Parade Bhaju Shastra”.

Parade Commander reports to Hon’ble Lt. Governor “Parade Nirakshan Ke Liye Hazir Hai Shrimaan”

Jeep comes in front of dais and Hon’ble Lt. Governor with Parade Commander inspects the Guard of Honour. On Completion of the inspection, jeep stops in front of dais.

Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Parade Commander alights from the jeep.

Parade Commander Salutes.

0844 Hrs: National Anthem by Teachers of Education Dept.

0845 Hrs: Hon’ble Lt. Governor leaves for Raj Niwas

The A&N Administration greets all the residents of the A&N Islands on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day of the Nation.