Parade watchers fight parched throats

NEW DELHI - People watching the grand spectacle of the Republic Day Parade at the capital city’s Rajpath Wednesday, especially children, had to fight dry and parched throats as Delhi Police had banned eatables and drinks - even water bottles - at the parade venue.

We left home around 7 a.m. and it’s 11, but no water yet,” said a middle-aged man inquiring about water facilities.

After the celebrations ended, people were seen rushing for water but they could not find any water vends any place nearby on the central vista flanking the majestic Rajpath, or even the adjoining roads.

It was a small temple outside Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts that was providing drinking water to the passersby. The police personnel too were seen crowding there to quaffe their thirst.

In the circular issued along with the passes and the entry tickets, the authorities has issued a list of banned articles that included mobile phones, laptops, calculators, bags, keys or any metal instruments and “khane-peene ki cheejen” - eatables and beverages.