By The Sampadak Express
India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, January 26, 2025, marking a historic occasion as the country commemorates the platinum jubilee of the adoption of its Constitution. The celebrations will take place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with a grand military parade and a rich display of cultural heritage. The event will be graced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who will be the chief guest for the occasion. He will be the fourth Indonesian president to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations, following the footsteps of Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, who was the chief guest during India’s inaugural Republic Day celebration in 1950.
10 Key Highlights of Republic Day 2025 Celebrations:
1. Participation of State and Central Tableau
This year’s Republic Day parade will feature an impressive display of 16 tableaux from Indian states and Union Territories, alongside 15 from various central ministries, departments, and organizations. These tableaux will showcase the diversity and richness of India’s cultural and regional heritage.
2. Showcasing Cutting-edge Defence Technology
India’s military might will be on full display, with cutting-edge defense platforms featured in the parade for the first time. These will include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, and the Akash surface-to-air missile system. The Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Pralay’ will also be part of the parade, emphasizing the nation’s technological advancements in defense.
3. Advanced Military Equipment
Other notable military equipment that will be part of the parade include T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, the Sarath infantry-carrying vehicle BMP-II, the Short Span Bridging System 10m, the Nag Missile System, and the ‘Agnibaan’ multi-barrel rocket launcher system. Additionally, the ‘Bajrang’ light specialist vehicle will also be showcased.
4. Tri-Services Tableau
A significant highlight will be the first-ever tri-services tableau that will illustrate the spirit of jointness among the Indian Armed Forces. This tableau will depict a synchronized operation involving the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and the advanced light helicopter, showcasing the coordination between land, water, and air forces. The theme for the tri-services tableau is “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India).
5. DRDO’s Tableaux
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will also present a tableau, which will have the theme “Raksha Kavach — multi-layer protection against multi-domain threats.” This will highlight India’s strides in bolstering its defense capabilities and addressing emerging threats in multiple domains.
6. Saluting the Martyrs
Before the parade begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying tribute to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The parade will officially start with the National Salute and will continue for 90 minutes, reflecting India’s journey of growth, resilience, and heritage.
7. Aircraft and Flypast
The flypast during the Republic Day celebrations will be a spectacular event, featuring 40 aircraft from the Indian Air Force and three Dornier aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard. Among the participating aircraft will be the C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29, and Su-30. The flypast will be accompanied by a musical performance, with 300 cultural artistes playing the patriotic anthem “Sare Jahan Se Achha.”
8. Parade Commanders and Military Leadership
The Republic Day parade will be led by Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, who will serve as the Parade Commander. Maj Gen Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, will serve as the Parade Second-in-Command. Additionally, two Kargil war heroes, both Param Vir Chakra awardees, and one Ashok Chakra awardee will be honored during the parade.
9. Army Contingents and Marching Columns
The parade will feature various Army contingents, including the Brigade of the Guards contingent, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles Regiment, J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI) Regiment, and a contingent from the Corps of Engineers. A significant moment will be the participation of Capt Ritika Khareta, the contingent commander of the Army’s Corps of Signals. Capt Khareta is the only woman in her contingent, which is otherwise composed of men.
10. Daredevil Motorcycle Display
In a thrilling display of skill and coordination, the motorcycle riders of the Corps of Signals will perform a daring stunt, with Capt Ashish Rana leading the team. Capt Dimple Singh Bhati will be second in command of the daredevil display.
As the nation comes together to celebrate Republic Day, the event will not only showcase India’s military strength but also its progress, resilience, and commitment to its constitutional values. This historic celebration will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and the journey of the Indian republic since the adoption of its Constitution 75 years ago.
