New Delhi: India celebrated its Republic Day with grandeur and pride on Sunday, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and military strength at the Republic Day Parade held on Kartavya Path in Delhi. The parade featured 31 tableaux from states and ministries, perfectly synchronized marching contingents, and an awe-inspiring air show.
The parade began with the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by Indonesia’s President, the chief guest for the occasion. They arrived in a traditional buggy escorted by the President’s Bodyguard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. Following this, the national flag was unfurled by the President, accompanied by the national anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm light field guns.
A parade of firsts
This year’s parade introduced several firsts. For the first time, a tri-services tableau, themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat,” depicted a ‘Joint Operations Room’ symbolizing collaboration among the Army, Navy and Air Force. Another first was the massive cultural performance by 5,000 artists from across India, performing over 45 dance forms in an 11-minute act titled “Jayati Jaya Mamaḥ Bharatam,” covering the entire Kartavya Path to provide all guests with a uniform viewing experience.
Among the marching contingents was a 148-member all-women team from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by assistant commandant Aishwarya Joy M. For the second year, an all-women band from the Delhi Police marched, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense.
An Indonesian military contingent, consisting of 152 marching members and a 190-member military band, also added an international touch to the celebrations.
Veterans and women power honoured
A special tableau honored veterans with the theme “Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar,” showcasing the contributions of ex-servicemen. Women veterans from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, highlighted the growing role of women in the defense forces.
Military might on display
The parade featured advanced military equipment, including the T-90 Bhishma tank, BrahMos missile, Akash Weapon System, and the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system. Other highlights included the NAG Missile System, Infantry Mortar Systems, and a range of surveillance and combat vehicles, showcasing India’s defense capabilities.
Breathtaking fly-past and stunts
The much-anticipated fly-past by the Indian Air Force (IAF) captivated the audience. Forty aircraft and helicopters, including Rafales, Su-30s, and Apaches, performed stunning aerial formations such as Dhwaj, Ajay, and Trishul. The spectacle concluded with the Vertical Charlie maneuver by a Rafale fighter jet.
Adding to the thrill, the Dare Devils Motorcycle Rider Display Team performed daring stunts, including formations like Human Pyramid, Ladder Salute, and Lotus, leaving spectators in awe.
Colorful tableaux and cultural heritage
The 31 tableaux, representing 16 states and union territories and 10 central ministries, highlighted the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.” Uttar Pradesh’s tableau featured the Mahakumbh, while Madhya Pradesh’s depicted the return of cheetahs. Other states, including Goa, Haryana, and West Bengal, showcased their unique traditions and heritage.
Inclusive celebrations
In a bid to promote public participation, around 10,000 guests from different walks of life, including top performers in various fields and beneficiaries of government schemes, were invited to witness the parade.
This initiative was in line with the government’s objective of increasing “Jan Bhagidari” in national events.
