The weather conditions continue to remain unfavourable, with chilling winds making it worse. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the minimum temperature on Monday morning was recorded at 5.7°C, which is five degrees below normal. However, the participants from all parts of country kept on the hard work, braving the cold weather conditions sweeping across in northern India.
Ever since the rehearsals have begun in the capital, the temperatures during the early mornings have been hovering between 6°C and 7°C. Even by 9 am in the morning, the temperatures do not rise and are recorded in single digit.
The participants, smartly dressed in their respective uniforms, starts practicing in the wee hours of the morning amidst the nil visibility conditions due to the dense fog. Different regiments of the Indian Forces, including Army, Navy and Air Force, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) march past in all their finery and official decorations, holding weapons which are quite heavy.
School children also put their best foot forward, as they take part in the preparations with great enthusiasm, ignoring the inclement weather.
According to Skymet, best of the weather during this period will also not give good visibility conditions. Similar weather conditions will prevail in the coming days, as the temperature profile will remain same till January 26, barring few days where we can expect some rain.
The grand parade, representing every part of the country, commences from Raisina Hill in the neighborhood of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan and passes along the Rajpath, ending at India Gate.
This year, US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest for the occasion.