The parade showcased a spectacular procession of 31 tableaux under the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development). A special highlight was the tri-services tableau, which made its debut to demonstrate the spirit of jointness and integration among the armed forces…reports Asian Lite News
India marked its 76th Republic Day with grandeur and patriotic fervor, celebrating 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution with an emphasis on ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (people’s participation). The celebrations commenced with a vibrant military parade at 10:30 am at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, presenting a magnificent display of India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and historical legacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial alongside the tri-services chiefs before heading to Kartavya Path. President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the venue in a ceremonial buggy escorted by elite bodyguards, accompanied by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, this year’s chief guest.
The parade showcased a spectacular procession of 31 tableaux under the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development). A special highlight was the tri-services tableau, which made its debut to demonstrate the spirit of jointness and integration among the armed forces. Over 5,000 cultural performers, representing the diverse traditions of India, adorned Kartavya Path for the first time, captivating the 10,000 invited guests and embodying the ‘Jan Bhagidari’ spirit.
The parade, lasting approximately 90 minutes, began with a mesmerizing performance by 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on traditional instruments sourced from across India. These included the shehnai, sundari, nadaswaram, been, mashak been, ransingha, flute, karadi majalu, mohuri, sankha, tutari, dhol, gong, nishan, chang, tasha, sambal, chenda, idakka, lezim, thavil, gudum baza, talam, and monbah.
A marching contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces, comprising 152 personnel and a 190-member band from Indonesia’s Military Academy, added an international flavor to the parade. The mounted column was led by the 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active horse-mounted regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar.
India’s military prowess was on full display with an array of indigenous and modern equipment, including the T-90 Bhishma tank, NAG missile system with BMP-2 Sarath, BrahMos cruise missile, Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, Akash weapon system, Bajrang light specialist vehicle, and Airawat vehicle-mounted infantry mortar system. The tri-services tableau on the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Empowered and Secure India) showcased a joint operations room and illustrated coordinated land, water, and air operations using advanced indigenous systems such as the Arjun main battle tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, INS Visakhapatnam destroyer, and a remotely piloted aircraft.
The veterans’ tableau, themed ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’ (Always Moving Towards a Developed India), honored the resilience and contributions of India’s armed forces veterans. Among the participants were decorated heroes like Padma Shri awardee Subedar Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist whose life inspired the Bollywood film ‘Chandu Champion’, and Honorary Captain Jitu Rai. Additionally, veteran women officers from all three services – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha – highlighted the increasing role of women in the armed forces, epitomizing ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power).
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also made history with a 148-member all-women marching contingent led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M., symbolizing the empowerment and inclusion of women in security forces.
The parade concluded with a nod to history and tradition, setting the stage for the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 at Vijay Chowk. This time-honored military tradition, which marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations, will feature only Indian tunes performed by the participating bands. The ceremony, rooted in history, symbolizes the end of battles as troops retreat and regroup at sunset.
India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations reflected the country’s rich heritage, progress, and the collective spirit of its people. The grandeur of the parade and the diverse performances underscored the unity in diversity that defines India while honoring the contributions of its armed forces, veterans, and citizens in shaping a developed and secure nation.
