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Pay homage to the valour of our forebears at these legendary sites that witnessed India’s freedom struggle
In 2023, we will witness our 74th Republic Day. The patriotic sentiments shall come alive in the streets. The colours of our National Flag — saffron, green and white — will evoke a sense of patriotism in every Indian. Experience us as a republic, and take a walk down memory lane. Let us remember and appreciate those who sacrificed their lives for their brothers and sisters. Here is a travel list to celebrate the spirit of India.
Pump up the patriotic adrenalin at the Wagah Border near Amritsar. Witness the ceremony where the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers lower their respective national flags. I wish to experience the bitter-sweet sentiments that come through in a grand display of harmony and rivalry between the two nations. Salute the national flag, sing to the reverberating tunes of the national anthem and pump up patriotism.
Jallianwala Bagh, beside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is another iconic landmark. It speaks of stories from India's freedom struggle. On April 13, 1919, British troops fired at a crowd of unarmed Indian protesters, killing 379 people. I wish to walk around Jallianwala Bagh and pay tribute to the brave, peep into the well, and feel the reflections of those who sacrificed. Seeing the pock-marks of bullets and cannons on the stone walls would be numbing. The bagh showcases stories of unending valour.
Amritsar is a hot spot of historical stories and is best to reach the city for Republic Day celebrations.
When on a road trip to Ladakh, drive along the Kargil route. This place holds historical significance for every Indian. It will remind you of the struggles of the Indian Armed Forces. The Kargil War Memorial was built by the Indian Army to honour the martyrs of the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999.
A view of Tololing Heights, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 (Batra Top), where the war took place, is sure to give you goosebumps. You will relive the challenging terrains and conditions the brave hearts faced during the war. You can also visit Captain Manoj Pandey's gallery. It commemorates the young officer posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award, for leadership and sacrifice during the war.
It's our privilege to pay tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the greater cause of the nation. You can find their names engraved on the pink sandstone wall and extend a prayer for these selfless souls.
You can also watch the documentary on the Kargil war in the auditorium. Before you move on to the next phase of your Ladakh trip, salute the giant National Flag! It flies 30 meters high with pride, measuring 11.4 by 7.6 metres and weighing 15 kg.
A visit to Kargil is a sure way to rekindle patriotic feelings.
The popular adage, ‘If you ate today, thank a farmer, and if you ate in peace, thank a soldier,’ comes alive in a magnificent display of India’s military and defence forces. The exhibits were set up to pay respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Longewala battle.
You can walk through the display of captured tanks, guns, and military vehicles from the battle. They are sure to evoke patriotic nostalgia. To make the experience more vivid, watch the movies played in the audio-visual room. The interview with a key fighter of the Longewala war, Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, is incredibly moving. Find the Hunter aircraft used during the Battle of Longewala in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. It will instil a sense of immense pride in India's military capabilities.
A stroll through the sunny lawns may appear straightforward, but they contain stories which infuse patriotism like none other. The War Museum is a detour from the well-trodden tourist paths of Jaisalmer, but it is worth a visit!
Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The jail has been home to many Indian freedom fighters, from Yogendra Shukla to Batukeshwar Dutt to Vinayak Savarkar. Owing to its remote location on the archipelago, the Cellular Jail was used by the British to banish political detainees from the mainstream. Its construction began in 1896 and was completed in 1906. It had seven wings containing 698 cells radiating from a central tower. However, the Japanese destroyed some wings in World War II.
You can still hear the hallways of Kala Paani ring with the echoes of Inquilab Zindabad. The massive architecture reveals hallmark places, such as the hanging galloways where many patriotic souls gave up their lives. You must study the models in the labour wings to understand how the captives were forced to do menial work.
Book a ticket and witness the famous light and sound show, which relives the heroics from the past. You can also just stand outside the historical monument and revel in its glory, bathed in tricolour lighting. A visit to Port Blair is a must to commemorate the days which brought us to a republic.
The ultimate, and perhaps the most popular way to ring in Republic Day is in the heart of our capital, Delhi. Magnificent displays of the Tricolour unfold amid patriotic performances.
Start with the grand parade at Janpath: a visual treat for everyone at the India Gate. The parade showcases the strength of India as a republic. Enjoy the medley of colourful floats representing India’s diverse states. Be wowed by the grand display of military paraphernalia such as missiles and tanks. Not every day the Indian Army, Navy and Air Forces come together and put up a fantastic show. Finish the day on a patriotic high by soaking in the surreal sight of the India Gate as it is lit up in the Tricolours, against the winter skies of our national capital.
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