R-Day relay

Music blues: Regular visitors were put off by the selection of “patriotic songs” that the speakers blared out before the main event commenced. The selection left much to be desired as four to five songs were put on a loop and newer,more peppier numbers,which would have helped create patriotic fervour were missing.

Booked: The special book printed by the Defence ministry had a stunning picture of the Republic Day parade in 1951,which showed troops marching through the Connaught Circus. Insiders say this is the preview of a special coffee table book tracing the history of the parade that is set to be published shortly.

Bloopers: The commentary at the parade was a disappointment this year with the announcers making several bloopers. At one point,the announcer termed the theme of the Nagaland tableau as “Communalism”. The theme,in fact,was ‘communitisation’ — the joint management of resources and developmental projects between the community and the government.

Loo Lows: As has now become the norm,the absence of basic amenities at the event was glaring. At most stalls,seating close to 5,000 people,only four toilets were set up,leading to long queues outside the “portable boxes”.