Almost seven decades ago, Nehru raised the new Indian flag above Red Fort in Delhi and announced to the world that the newest and largest democratic republic was being born. Every year, the country celebrates India Republic Day with a monumental parade made up of military displays, floats, animals, and music -- all in the heart of Delhi. And two days later, the nation ends the big celebration with yet another one: "Beating the Retreat."
We got tickets and went to both events.
No cameras are allowed at the events so the pictures below are from the web Here are a set of pictures that provide a tiny glimpse into the color of India. We have never seen a parade with as much drama, color and verve. And a passionate and very proud Indian audience in attendance. Wow.
Another wild ride in Delhi. Never have we been as crushed by humanity as we were on the way through tight security into the parade. It was more than a little scary, but well worth it after our safe arrival.
After the parade we attended a Republic Day celebration hosted at a neighborhood club. Our landlady serves on their board. There was music and a lunch of sumptuous Indian fare. The attendees were primarily the local older generation who enthusiastically celebrated Republic Day. It provided a small peak into the lives of the privileged in Delhi.
BEATING THE RETREAT. Historically, "beating the retreat" represents the daily truce that is called at the end of a day of battle. Marked by drums, it is the time when both armies disengage, take care of the wounded and return to their respective camps for the night. Beating the Retreat events are held in England and in India. The Delhi events are held two nights after Republic Day, with camels, mounted horses, pomp, fancy horse drawn carriages and four 250 member high stepping bands from all the branches of the armed forces all decked out in colorful uniforms (including a wild group of Indians in kilts playing bagpipes). Most of the music was very British! The event takes place in "Central Secretariat" -- the center of old British rule in India -- it is now the center of Indian government. Quite a scene, with all the old British buildings enshrined in lights (see below).
We toured old British "Central Secretariat" a couple of weeks ago. Over the main entrance -- carved by the Brits in stone -- are the words: "LIBERTY WILL NOT DESCEND TO A PEOPLE. A PEOPLE MUST RAISE THEMSELVES TO LIBERTY. IT IS A BLESSING THAT MUST BE EARNED BEFORE IT CAN BE ENJOYED." It is more than a little ironic that for many generations, the British Raj ruled over India without liberty and democracy, and that India certainly paid real dues for liberty, and has now earned its place as the world's largest democracy. Obama said in his State of the Union that "Democracy never comes easy." It certainly isn't easy here. But the British words in stone actually seem even more very fitting here after a hard won Independence -- in the Republic of India.
We got tickets and went to both events.
No cameras are allowed at the events so the pictures below are from the web Here are a set of pictures that provide a tiny glimpse into the color of India. We have never seen a parade with as much drama, color and verve. And a passionate and very proud Indian audience in attendance. Wow.
Another wild ride in Delhi. Never have we been as crushed by humanity as we were on the way through tight security into the parade. It was more than a little scary, but well worth it after our safe arrival.
After the parade we attended a Republic Day celebration hosted at a neighborhood club. Our landlady serves on their board. There was music and a lunch of sumptuous Indian fare. The attendees were primarily the local older generation who enthusiastically celebrated Republic Day. It provided a small peak into the lives of the privileged in Delhi.
BEATING THE RETREAT. Historically, "beating the retreat" represents the daily truce that is called at the end of a day of battle. Marked by drums, it is the time when both armies disengage, take care of the wounded and return to their respective camps for the night. Beating the Retreat events are held in England and in India. The Delhi events are held two nights after Republic Day, with camels, mounted horses, pomp, fancy horse drawn carriages and four 250 member high stepping bands from all the branches of the armed forces all decked out in colorful uniforms (including a wild group of Indians in kilts playing bagpipes). Most of the music was very British! The event takes place in "Central Secretariat" -- the center of old British rule in India -- it is now the center of Indian government. Quite a scene, with all the old British buildings enshrined in lights (see below).
We toured old British "Central Secretariat" a couple of weeks ago. Over the main entrance -- carved by the Brits in stone -- are the words: "LIBERTY WILL NOT DESCEND TO A PEOPLE. A PEOPLE MUST RAISE THEMSELVES TO LIBERTY. IT IS A BLESSING THAT MUST BE EARNED BEFORE IT CAN BE ENJOYED." It is more than a little ironic that for many generations, the British Raj ruled over India without liberty and democracy, and that India certainly paid real dues for liberty, and has now earned its place as the world's largest democracy. Obama said in his State of the Union that "Democracy never comes easy." It certainly isn't easy here. But the British words in stone actually seem even more very fitting here after a hard won Independence -- in the Republic of India.
No comments:
Post a Comment