Irwin Amphitheatre opposite the Purana Qila, now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium

The first Republic Day parade was held at Irwin Amphitheatre opposite the Purana Qila, now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, inspected the parade and the chief guest on the occasion was the then President of Indonesia, Sukarno. More than 3,000 Armed Forces men marched in front of the President of India.