Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest
Theme for this year’s tableaux is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’
New Delhi: India on Sunday celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade along the Kartavya Path showcasing the nation’s military prowess and rich cultural heritage. This year’s celebrations are extra special as it marks the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto graced the occasion as the chief guest, accompanied by a 352-member Indonesian marching and band contingent participating in the parade. Before the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to fallen soldiers with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial at India Gate.
76th Republic Day celebrations: Key Highlights
The Republic Day parade began at 10.30 am, with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute. Around 10,000 special guests are in attendance to witness the spectacle.
A total of 31 tableaux, including 16 tableaux from states and Union Territories, and 15 from central ministries and organisations rolled down the Kartavya Path. The theme for the tableaux was ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.
Cutting-edge defence platforms, including the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket system, and Akash air defence system, were displayed during the parade. The Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and the DRDO’s ‘Pralay’ tactical missile also made their debut. Other military assets on display included T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, Sarath infantry carrying vehicles, the Nag Missile System, and vehicle mounted infantry mortar system (Airawat).
In another first, the tri-services had a joint tableau symbolic of the spirit of unity among the country’s armed forces. The DRDO’s tableau, with the theme ‘Raksha Kavach’, showcased multi-layered protection against multi-domain threats.
The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was the iconic 61 Cavalry, the only serving horsed cavalry regiment in the world. Representing nari shakti were veteran women officers from all three services.
A display of motorcycle stunts by the daredevils of the Corps of Signals, a crowd favourite, capped off the 90-minute-long parade.
For the grand finale, the flypast featured 40 Indian Air Force aircraft including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, and Su-30 fighter jets. Three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard added to the spectacle.
Cultural performances by 5,000 artistes will cover the entire Kartavya Path, with 300 artistes playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on musical instruments representing different parts of the country.
Delhi is on high alert with over 70 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 70,000 police personnel deployed. Traffic restrictions were in place to ensure a smooth flow of events.
The capital is under a six-layered security cover, over 2,500 CCTV cameras with facial recognition, anti-drone systems, rooftop snipers, and restricted access to more than 200 buildings along the parade route.
