Jai Hind! Indian Army jawans practise for Republic Day parade at -14 degree temperature

Himachal Pradesh: Intense cold wave grips Himachal Pradesh and yet Indian Army soldiers can be seen rehearsing for Republic Day parade held in Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district ahead of 26 January.

Himachal Pradesh: Intense cold wave grips Himachal Pradesh and yet Indian Army soldiers can be seen rehearsing for Republic Day parade held in Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district ahead of 26 January.

Interesting pictures of Indian Army soldiers practicing for Republic day at minus 14-degree Celsius. The practice was taking place at the Kailang, headquarter of the district of Lahaul Spiti in the tribal district of Himachal Pradesh. The soldiers can be seen practicing on a thick layer of snow about 2 feet.

Every year, weather is clear, children of police, home guards and schools parade on January 26 on Republic Day. This time too, preparations are on the horizon. After the snowfall, when the weather is clear, the police administration has prepared for the cold winter. In winters, the temperature can fall to minus 50 degree Celsius. At such a low temperature touching any metal object with bare hands can lead to deadly frostbites. The soldiers posted there use guns and other artillery only after wearing anti-frostible gloves. 

Bone-chilling winds sweep the area and sun can cause burn on the skin. The overall atmosphere of thin air and sub-zero temperatures also induces acute depression. In the high-altitude areas of the valley, the deployment period is limited. Over the years, soldiers have lost their limbs to frostbite and have died due to pulmonary edema. Winds of up to 160km an hour can come without any warning 

The cold wave has gripped entire North India, and in the national capital where a rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade is underway, people gathered to witness the scene despite the intense cold. The dip in temperature could not demoralize Delhites from getting out of their homes in the early morning to visit India Gate and enjoy the scenic beauty. 

“I came here this morning to witness the parade (rehearsal) and one or two tableaus have been shown, but there is too much cold and fog here right now,” said one of the visitors.