India Celebrates 76th Republic Day: Highlights from Kartavya Path

A grand showcase of India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and unity on Republic Day 2025

January 26, 2025: India marked its 76th Republic Day with grandeur and pride at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, as President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the occasion. This year’s festivities highlighted 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment and emphasized public participation (Jan Bhagidari). Here are the key highlights:

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1. Chief Guest and Attendance:
   Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto graced the occasion as the chief guest. Over 10,000 guests were invited, reflecting the government’s effort to enhance public involvement in national events.

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1. Theme and Tableaux:
   The parade featured 31 tableaux on the theme Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas (Golden India: Heritage and Development). For the first time, a tri-services tableau showcased the integration of the armed forces. Cultural performances by 5,000 artists adorned the entire Kartavya Path.
2. Schedule and Ceremony:
   The parade began at 10:30 am, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute at the National War Memorial. It ran for approximately 90 minutes, starting with a musical performance of Sare Jahan Se Achha by 300 cultural artists using traditional instruments.
3. International Participation:
   A 152-member contingent of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and a 190-member band from Indonesia’s Military Academy added a global touch to the parade. The first marching contingent, 61 Cavalry, led by Lt Ahaan Kumar, represented the world’s only active Horsed Cavalry Regiment.
4. Military Hardware Display:
   Showcased military assets included the T-90 Bhishma tank, BrahMos cruise missile, Akash weapon system, Pinaka rocket launcher, and the indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank.
5. Tri-Services Tableau:
   Under the theme Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat (Empowered and Secure India), a tableau depicted a battlefield scenario showcasing synchronized operations in land, water, and air with indigenous technology like the Tejas MKII fighter aircraft and INS Visakhapatnam destroyer.
6. Veterans’ Tribute:
   A tableau titled Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar (Always Marching Towards a Developed India) honored veterans, including sports icons like Padma Shri awardee Subedar Murlikant Petkar. The segment celebrated their contributions and resilience.
7. Celebrating Women Power:
   Women veterans from all three services, including Lt Col Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lt Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lt Ruchi Saha, participated, along with a 148-member all-women CRPF contingent led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy.
8. Beating Retreat Ceremony:
   The Republic Day celebrations will culminate with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 at Vijay Chowk. This year, only Indian tunes will feature, reinforcing the pride in indigenous traditions.

The Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path symbolized India’s military might, cultural diversity, and a unified vision for the future.

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Republic Day 2025, Kartavya Path, Indian military, cultural diversity, Jan Bhagidari, Swarnim Bharat, women in armed forces, tri-services tableau, Indian traditions, Beating Retreat ceremony