After the recent demise of former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, he was cremated with state honours. During this he was given a 21-gun salute. In India, a 21-gun salute is given to honor any dignitary other than a foreign head of state or even on the occasion of Republic Day. It is considered the highest military honour, in which cannon is fired.
The tradition of giving 21 gun salute is about 150 years old in the history of the country. However, after the country’s independence, when Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of the country on 26 January 1950, he was given a 21-gun salute. Only after this it became an international norm and from 1971 onwards, the 21 gun salute started being given to the President, foreign heads of state and dignitaries. But the question is how is the 21 gun salute given? Are 21 cannons really brought and fired? Let us know…
These soldiers fire
The 21-gun salute is the highest military honor. Whenever a foreign head of state comes to India or has to pay respect to dignitaries, a 21-gun salute is given. This honor is given by 1721 Field Battery, whose headquarters is in Meerut. About 122 soldiers in this squad give 21 gun salute to the dignitaries.
Salute is given with 8 guns instead of 21
Now the question is whether only 21 guns are brought to give the salute? The answer is no. 8 cannons are used in the 21 gun salute. During this, 3-3 shots are fired from 7 cannons and the 8th cannon remains separate. While giving the salute, 3-3 shells are fired at an interval of every 2.25 seconds and the entire process of salute ends in 52 seconds.
Are real shells fired?
When a 21-gun salute is given to a dignitary, real shells are not fired, rather special types of shells are used in their place, which are called ceremonial cartridges. These balls only make sound and smoke. This does not harm anyone.
Also read: Who was the first to form the government in Delhi, know who was the first CM of the capital