New Delhi, January 25: India is going to celebrate 70th Republic Day on Saturday, and there will be many things that people will witness during the parade at Rajpath this year. Among the significant shift in change would be the introduction of 'Shankhanad' (desi tune) – a martial tune created for the Indian Armed forces – for the first time in the history of Republic India.

Breaking the old custom of British tune, this would be the first time the Indian Armed Forces would play ‘Shankhanad’, composed especially for the Republic Day parade. The ‘Shankhanad’ will have the combined tunes of three classical ragas – Raag Bilaskhani Todi, Raag Bhairavi and Raag Kirvani. Bhojpuri Patriotic Songs for Republic Day 2019: Playlist of Bhojpuri ‘Desh Bhakti Ke Geet’ on 26th January (Watch Videos).

Composed by a professor from Nagpur – Dr Tanuja Nafade – the ‘Shankhanad’ is based on a poem written by Brig. Vivek Sohal. Following the composition of the tune, the Mahar Regiment decided to remove British tune and bring Indian classical music.

This is not the first time that the tune is to be played, as previously 14 military bands together played it during the Army day parade held on January 15, 2018. The Indian Armed forces accepted the tune as official martial tune in December 2017. Though the martial tune is composed by the army, it would be the first time an outsider has been roped in to help compose the tune for Republic Day parade.

According to the official reports, the 90-minute Republic Day parade will start at 10 am on Saturday, where along with a showcase of valour of Indian Armed forces, 22 Tableaux of various states and departments with the theme – 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi will be the main attraction for the visitors. Republic Day 2019 Significance: Know the Importance & History Behind 26 January Celebrated as India's Republic Day.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest for the parade, who arrived in the national capital on Friday. Among other attractions include Indian Army’s mounted columns of 61 cavalries, eight mechanised columns, six marching contingents and a flypast by Rudra and Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2019 04:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).