India is all set to mark 75 years of its journey as a sovereign democratic republic with a grand ceremonial parade at Kartavya Path today, showcasing the nation’s military strength and rich cultural diversity.
This year’s Republic Day carries added significance as the nation commemorates the platinum jubilee of the Constitution’s enactment.
President Droupadi Murmu is set to lead the celebrations, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest. The parade will begin at 10.30 am, with Murmu taking the salute.
Around 10,000 special guests have been invited to witness the grand spectacle.
A marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia will also participate, symbolising the enduring ties between the two nations.
Subianto will be the fourth Indonesian leader to attend India’s Republic Day, following Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president, who graced the first Republic Day in 1950.
The arrival of President Murmu and President Subianto will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the oldest regiment of the Indian Army.
The dignitaries are expected to arrive in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, a practice revived in 2024 after four decades, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin the day’s proceedings by paying tribute to the nation’s martyrs at the National War Memorial.
The parade will commence shortly after, with a National Salute, and will continue for 90 minutes, depicting the country’s journey from its cultural roots to its advancements as a modern republic.
Military Display and Tableaux
The parade will feature cutting-edge defence platforms, including the debut of the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) tactical surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’.
Other highlights will include BrahMos, Pinaka, Akash, T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, and the indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher system ‘Agnibaan’.
Sixteen tableaux from states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries and organisations will roll down Kartavya Path, with the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Progress).
A tri-services tableau will depict the spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces, with synchronised land, air, and sea operations featuring the Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and advanced light helicopters.
The Indian Army will contribute a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents. The 61 Cavalry will represent the mounted column, while the tableaux will highlight a confluence of heritage and progress.
The theme of the tri-services tableau will be ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India).
Notably, two Param Vir Chakra awardees, Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), both Kargil war heroes, along with Ashok Chakra awardee Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd), will take part in the parade.
Cultural performances and flypast
The parade will also feature a vibrant cultural performance titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam’, involving 5,000 artists performing over 45 traditional dance forms.
For the first time, the performance will span the entire length of Kartavya Path, ensuring a uniform viewing experience for all attendees.
A flypast by 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier planes from the Coast Guard will cap the celebrations. The DRDO’s tableau, themed ‘Raksha Kavach’, will focus on multi-layered protection against evolving threats.
Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, will serve as the Parade Commander, with Maj Gen Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, as the Parade Second-in-Command.
The daredevil contingent from the Corps of Signals will be led by Capt Ashish Rana, with Capt Dimple Singh Bhati as second-in-line, showcasing thrilling stunts.
With the Constitution’s adoption on 26 November 1949 and its enforcement on 26 January 1950, this year’s Republic Day will highlight India’s legacy and aspirations.
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