Sharjah: While the iconic Republic Day Parade showcasing India’s rich heritage and military might unfolded in New Delhi, a group of Indian expats in the UAE celebrated the occasion on Sunday in a style unique to their host country. They organised a horseback parade in the desert, proudly waving the tricolour, blending patriotism with equestrian elegance.

Two dozen members of the Royal Stallions group comprising, men, women and children headed to the desert in Sharjah emirate to pay tributes to their motherland, they told Gulf News.

They dedicated their weekly one-hour riding session to celebrate the Republic Day by wearing white t-shirts with images of India’s and UAE’s flags printed on their sleeves. Some of them went a step ahead by waving the Indian flags while trotting, cantering and galloping.

RJ Akshay Uthaman, who was joined by his wife Akza Jose in the ride, said: "It gave me goosebumps to kiss and wave our flag while galloping through the UAE’s desert."

“All of us hail from Kerala. In 2023, we started celebrating special occasions this way. We did the same for the UAE National Day, Onam, Vishu, Christmas and Halloween,” said Shameer Ali, managing director of a holding company based in Dubai Maritime City.

The group that started with eight friends in 2022 is led by two founding members—Mohammed Haris, a businessman, and Kamaru Patla, a driving instructor—and now has 40 members including four women and a number of children.

“All of us have different backgrounds. But, when we come for our weekly ride on every Sunday, we are treated equally, irrespective of our age, gender and social status,” said Noufal Chundampatta, one of the founding members.

While Sindhu Biju and Rafa Ali were the other female members who took part in the ride on Sunday, cousins Mohammed Ayyan and Mohammed Faizan, aged 9 and 7 respectively, were the youngest riders of the group.

“Though there is a fear factor of falling in the beginning, we become so addicted to this sport as it is very thrilling. Galloping makes you feel like you are flying and I have gained a lot of confidence through this sport,” said Sindhu, a radio journalist whose video of riding in a saree had gone viral on social media earlier.

The group has been popularising horse riding by hosting free community events, with new sessions planned this winter.

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