India’s rich cultural heritage and military prowess were proudly showcased on Sunday during the grand Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in Delhi. The parade featured 31 vibrant tableaux representing various states and ministries, alongside synchronized marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces. A spectacular fly-past added to the excitement, with formations that captivated the audience.
Indonesian President as Chief Guest
Indonesia’s President, Joko Widodo, was the chief guest at the event, which began with the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu and President Widodo in a traditional ‘buggy,’ escorted by the President’s Bodyguard.
A Spectacular Tribute to National Unity
Around 10,000 guests, representing various sectors, were invited to witness the parade, as part of the government’s push to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (people’s participation) in national events. The guests included top achievers across various fields and individuals who have benefitted from government schemes.
The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he paid tribute to India’s fallen heroes with a wreath-laying ceremony. As per tradition, the National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a resounding 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns, a homegrown weapon system.
Republic Day Parade Highlights
Mi-17 Choppers Shower Flowers: The Republic Day celebrations began with Mi-17 1V helicopters showering flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation, led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat. President Murmu took the salute as the parade commenced under the command of Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar and Parade Second-in-Command Major General Sumit Mehta. Notable gallantry award winners, including Param Vir Chakra recipients Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, along with Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh, also participated in the parade.
Tri-Services Tableau: For the first time, a Tri-services tableau made its way down Kartavya Path. The tableau, themed ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat,’ showcased a ‘Joint Operations Room,’ symbolizing the collaborative efforts among India’s three armed services.
Cultural Performance by 5,000 Artists: Over 5,000 artists from across India performed 45 different dance forms in a stunning 11-minute cultural display titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam.’ For the first time, the performance covered the entire length of Kartavya Path, from Vijay Chowk to C Hexagon, ensuring that all guests had an equal viewing experience.
All-Women CRPF Contingent: A highlight of the parade was the 148-member all-women contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. Additionally, for the second time, an all-women band from the Delhi Police participated in the march, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense. The Delhi Police contingent was commanded by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Kumar Singh.
Indonesian Military Presence: Another significant moment came with the march past of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, whose contingent of 152 members was accompanied by a 190-member military band from Indonesia’s Military Academy.
Veterans’ Tableau and Nari Shakti Representation: A tableau celebrating India’s veterans, titled ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar,’ paid tribute to their bravery and contributions. Notably, veteran women officers from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha – highlighted the vital role of women in India’s defense forces.
Display of Military Might: Several cutting-edge weapon systems were displayed, including the T-90 Tank (Bhishma), NAG Missile System, BrahMos Missile, Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, and Akash Weapon System, among others. The display also featured various vehicles, such as the All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak) and Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh & Tripurantak).
31 Tableaux from States and Ministries: The parade showcased 31 tableaux representing 16 states and union territories, as well as 10 ministries and central government departments. These tableaux highlighted the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ with states like Goa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana presenting their cultural and developmental stories. The Uttar Pradesh tableau highlighted the grandeur of the Mahakumbh, while Madhya Pradesh showcased the return of cheetahs to the state.
This year’s Republic Day Parade was a remarkable display of India’s diversity, strength, and achievements, captivating the nation and its international guests alike.
