Republic Day 2023: Rare and iconic pictures from early years of the R-Day celebrations

On the occasion of the 74th Republic Day, we take everyone down memory lane and bring some rare pictures from the early years of the R-Day celebrations.

IPS Kiran Bedi leading the Delhi Police contingent in Republic Day Parade in 1975. Credit: Twitter/@IndiaHistorypic

A tableau depicting youth and progress during the Republic Day parade in 1952. Credit: Photo Division

The first Republic Day Parade outside 16th century Old Fort in New Delhi in 1950. Credit: Facebook/Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Large number of people watching the Republic Day parade in 1952. Credit: Photo Division

An aerial view of the Republic Day Parade taken from the top of India Gate in 1951. Credit: Twitter/@HeritageTimesIN

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on the first Republic Day in 1950. Credit: Twitter/@RBArchive

Dr Rajendra Prasad with the Guest of Honor, Queen Elizabeth II for Republic Day celebrations in 1961. Credit: Indpaedia

Dr Rajendra Prasad with Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh driving in-State after witnessing the Republic Day Parade in 1961. Credit: Twitter/@RBArchive

Ex-President Rajendra Prasad rides from Vijay Chowk with Chief Guest President Sukarno of Indonesia during the first Republic Day in 1950. Credit: Twitter/@U_pasana

First President Dr Rajendra Prasad is seen saluting during the first Republic Day parade held on Rajpath in Delhi on January 26, 1950. Credit: @GujaratHistory

Ex-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru with Defence Minister Baldev Singh at first Republic day parade on January 26, 1950. Credit: Twitter/@INCinHistory

King Tribhuvan of Nepal was the Guest of Honour for the Republic Day in 1951. Credit: Twitter/@POI13

Ex-President Rajendra Prasad readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade on Rajpath in 1950. Credit: Twitter/@RajivKumar1

The Indian Air Force planes flying past during the 1st Republic Day parade held at New Delhi on January 26, 1951. Credit: Twitter/@GujaratHistory