How the tradition of Sikh Regiment saluting twice on Republic Day initiated

Right through from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, all contingents salute only once – they salute the President of India. But, the Sikh Regiment salutes twice. The second salute is to Gurdwara SisGanj. The sewadars in return shower rose petals on the brave Sikh soldiers.

Right through from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, all contingents salute only once – they salute the President of India. But, the Sikh Regiment salutes twice. The second salute is to Gurdwara SisGanj. The sewadars in return shower rose petals on the brave Sikh soldiers.
As per his account he did it first during the full dress rehearsal when the Gurdwara was pleasantly surprised. When he did it again on the actual parade the contingent was pleasantly surprised by the shower of rose petals by the spectators from both sides – the petals provided by the Gurdwara.

This tradition now has been set for years now.

The original story by Col Injo Gakhal…”DAHINAY DEKH” & ROSE PETAL SHOWER !!

1. It was 24 Jan 1979 the full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade. Having marched for the major part of 14 odd Kilometers we were nearing the end towards the Red Fort, where refreshments and transport awaited us. The march started from Vijay Chowk , past the Rajpath Saluting base keeping India Gate to our right onto Curzon road(KG Marg), to Connaught Place- Minto bridge-Ram Lila ground- Chawri Bazar- Kinari Bazar-Sis Ganj Gurdwara Sahib-Chandni Chowk ending on the front lawns of the Red Fort. As we approached Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara SisGanj loomed on to our right. As per Sikh Regimental tradition as contingent commander I ordered the Sikh Regiment marching contingent “Dhainay Dekh” and lowered my sword in salute. The Gurdwara managers were taken by surprise as were the hordes of spectators lining the road. On reaching the Red Fort the Contingent was brought to rest, but the Gurdwara Savadars had caught up with us to serve ‘Karah Prasad’, refreshments and reward.

2. Come 26 jan 1979, as we approached Sisganj Gurdwara Sahib and I ordered “Dahinay Dekh”, the Gurdwara management was prepared this time. Rose petals were showered on us from both sides of the road amidst loud jaikaras of Sat sri Akal!