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the other hand, shore defences often had plenty to go around. Firing off one shot
wouldn't be enough to disarm so they had to fire off multiple. The multiple of
three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance of the number
three in many ancient civilizations.
Today, the tradition remains even though there's no actual disarmament
involved -- in almost all cases, today's saluting guns are firing blanks. The 21-
gun salute is accorded to the President of India on several occasions. As soon
as a new President is sworn in, a 21-gun salute is given. On Republic Day of
India, every year, a 21-gun salute is given to the National Flag and the President,
during the Flag Hoisting Ceremony. When a foreign head of State or Head of
Government visits India, a formal reception is held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan
and the Head of State is given a 21-gun salute while a 19-gun salute is given to
a foreign Head of Government.
School trip to the Wagha Border, Amritsar.
