Swachhagrah, frontline workers, auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers and labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus were among special guests invited this year to the Republic Day parade.

The number of people allowed to attend the parade was curtailed to approximately 5,000-8,000 due to the Covid-19 situation, with seats reserved for construction workers, frontline health workers and others. Surya, a sanitation worker, said the experience of seeing the parade from such close quarters has been surreal. "I feel so special and honoured that I was invited to the event. I never thought that I would be treated with so much respect," she said. Surya said the favourite part of the parade was the national anthem was played.