Hidden behind the elaborate display of the country’s military prowess at the Republic Day parade were seven vintage cannons that fired a 21-gun salute to herald the unveiling of the celebrations.
The cannons roared in perfect synchrony with the National Anthem, saluting the President and the Tricolour.
Each cannon is fired at an interval of nearly 2.25 seconds to encompass the entire length of the 52-second National Anthem in three successive rounds. The artillery is maintained by the gunners of the elite 871 Field Regiment (SHINGO) and kept at Delhi Cantonment.
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The vintage artillery is brought out only on a few selected days, including Independence Day, Republic Day and Martyrs’ Day. The honour is also conferred to the visiting Heads of States at Rashtrapati Bhavan. — PTI
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