India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, 26th January. Just like every year, the parade at Kartavya Path is one of the main highlights. The tableaux and the special guests are the other big attractions. So, who will be the Chief Guest and which central theme will be celebrated? We break it all down for you.
Who is the Chief Guest for the 2025 Republic Day celebrations?
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace the 76th Republic day celebrations as the Chief Guest. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the news in an official statement. They also said President Subianto will be on a state visit to India from 25th to 26th January. The visit will be aimed at strengthening India and Indonesia’s bilateral ties.
Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy.
While this is the first time President Prabowo Subianto is visiting India as the President, in the past, Indonesian Presidents have been invited as Republic day Chief Guests four times.
In fact the President of Indonesia was the Chief Guest at India’s first Republic Day Parade in 1950 as well. President Sukarno had graced the occasion.
What is the theme of the 76th Republic day celebrations?
The theme for the grand celebrations has been decided as “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”. The theme celebrates the heritage and progress India has made in the 76 years of becoming a Republic.
What will be the major attraction at the parade?
This year 31 tableaux from states, union Territories, Central Ministries will be featured. Two more tableaux depicting and celebrating the constitution will also be showcased.
Forty Seven aircraft will carry out a spectacular fly past.
The Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Academy have collaborated to present an 11-minute cultural performance. This will feature 5000 artistes performing “Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam”.For the first time, the performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path so all the guests can get a wholesome cultural experience.
Finalist teams of the National Band competition will also attend the celebrations.
The celebrations will come to a close with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’. This will be held on the 29th January at Vijay Chowk.
Apart from this, the Ministry of Tourism has also organised the Bharat Parv at the Red Fort. It will be held from January 26th to 31st January. The fair will showcase Republic Day Tableaux, performances by the Military Bands and cultural performances.
