India gate located at the eastern end of Raj path in central Delhi is the 43m high stone of triumph. Initially, known as the All India War Memorial, the Duke of Connaught laid its foundation stone in 1921 and this great structure was devoted to the country in 1931 by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin.
The Delhi India gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens stands on a low pedestal of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge cornice. The word INDIA is emblazoned on both sides, flanked by MCM and to the right, XIX. The names of the ninety thousand soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives in World War I along with another 13,516 names who sacrificed their lives in the North West Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919 are emblazoned on the walls of this majestic structure.
An undying flame or Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit under the arch of India Gate in 1971 to honor the several unknown brave soldiers who died fighting for the country. Uniformed soldiers stand sentinel over the flame and a shining rifle crowned by a soldier’s helmet is placed on a high plinth near the flame as a mark of respect to these dead soldiers.
On 26th January, the Indian President places a garland at the everlasting flame Amar Jawan Jyoti under the arch of India gate in India to pay his/her respects to the Indian armed forces who laid down their lives for the sake of the country. It’s followed by a grand march which moves along Raj path, which comprise of tanks and weaponry, marching contingents, folk dances, lively floats and school children from different parts of the country who participate in this colorful ceremony.
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