Republic Day Celebrations: How to Organize a Parade in Societies?
The Republic Day is one of the most prominent days for our nation second only to the Independence Day. Celebrated on 26th January each year, Republic Day celebrations take place with a Republic Day parade celebrated in all major cities and towns of the country. The national capital holds the traditional Republic Day parade featuring contingents from Indian armed forces. The parade consists of color, fun and frolic as children and dancers present cultural dance forms from each state. The parade ends with colorful floats from each state of India. The Republic Day parade in New Delhi starts from Rajpath and ends with a march to Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.
Looking to Organize a Republic Day Parade in Your Apartment Community?
Of course Republic Day celebrations are not just limited to official parades and every citizen has the right to organize or be part of private parades and be involved with the celebrations.
Many private townships and apartment communities organize private parades to mark the Republic Day celebrations. If you are part of the management committee of any RWA or are seeking to organize a republic day parade in your apartment community, the following tips would be helpful.
Plan and Decide the Magnitude of the Parade: First thing you would have to decide is the magnitude of the parade and plan accordingly. Would you want a big republic day parade for the entire township or a smaller one with limited guests? All planning for a Republic Day celebration should be done keeping in mind the overall magnitude of the planed celebration.
Give Yourself Ample Time to Plan: Since Republic Day Parade function is unlike any other normal event, you must give yourself and the participating individual’s ample time to prepare for the D-day. Unlike other celebrations where even a last minute planning might be sufficient, a Republic Day Parade is an elaborative event which must be planned well in advance to make the event a memorable one.
Affix a Republic Day Parade Committee: It is a good idea to affix a Republic Day parade committee which has the power to overlook all preparations for the event. Instead of having each RWA member doing his own bit, a committee can make sure everyone works in a synergic manner getting things done in a time bound manner.
Obtain Necessary Permits and Permissions: Depending on whether you are planning to take the parade out on the road or within the premises of your apartment community, make sure you have perquisite permits and permissions from concerned government departments or RWA.
Have a Parade Timeline: As part of the parade management, it is imperative to have a parade timeline keeping a checklist of what leads the parade and what follows the leader enabling a synchronized event. It is a good idea to have children leading the parade function as they are more enthusiastic while colorful dances and social events can follow when everyone who was part of the parade has settled down.
Have Clear Rules and Parade Guidelines: Republic Day parade management augers for well laid out rules and guidelines for every participant. Make sure each participant is given the rules and guidelines either in person or through an email communication.
Seek Sponsors: A private Republic Day event can have sponsors to cover the costs for the event. Anyone from the neighborhood ice cream shop to a bigger corporate can be approached for sponsoring the parade event.
Invite a Chief Guest: Unfurling of the national flag is the highlight of any Republic Day parade. You can invite a special chief guest for the honors or choose from amongst the residents of the community.
Generate Excitement: Last but not the least, generating excitement in the apartment community about the event must be part of the Republic Day event plan. Make sure that every resident comes and enjoys the parade even if not actively participating in the actual parade itself.
