01/02/09

Republic Day Parade, 29 January, Delhi (UKYPE 09)

[Written as part of our visit to India with the British Council. All such posts will be listed in a dedicated category; apologies if this isn't of interest. If it is of interest, then you can also see more on our Flickr set]

On republic day, a national holiday and without meetings planned, James, Lucy and I defy BC guidelines to leave the hotel and go to see the parade. We have been told that it is a very nationalistic, miltaristic event, and that national pride runs high. We are also told to “be expecting a mobbing”.

We leave the hotel with the bare minimum, although we are warned that cameras and phones are not allowed, we walk the four blocks to India gate by following the flow of the crowds. There are barricades and sandbagged gun stations everywhere. But the mood is fun, excited, and we particularly enjoy the empty streets and warm sunshine.

At the gate, security confirms that nothing is allowed in – no electronics, mobiles, cameras, pens, combs, not even James’ Marlboros and lighter (which are confiscated, somewhat judiciously we feel). Lucy is carrying her bag and decides to turn back, taking our mobiles back to the hotel. The street around the metal detectors is littered with discarded items not allowed in, and crowds more attached to their items congregate around the gate, unable to see past the security fences erected around Janpath. Food sellers, drink stations, huge sacks filled with what looks like giant prawn crackers, have made their way to where we are as well.

We get in and see the parade, and it turns out we are right by India gate, among about 800 indians. We see motorcycle displays, and the impressive, loud, low-flying air force fly bys of helicopters, F16s? Migs? bombers and jets. We cheer, feel somewhat nervous to betray our nationality among the masses clebrating independence, but all is jovial and well. As we walk back to the hotel, already the streets are filling up with tuktuks, taxis, and the blaring horns.

Posted by Peter Collingridge in Apt Studio work, Publishing, UKYPE India Trip.

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