India is set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day today with a spectacular parade at Kartavya Path, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, unity, equality, development, and military strength. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the celebrations, joined by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.
As part of the government’s initiative to promote Jan Bhagidari (public participation), around 10,000 Special Guests from various walks of life, including high achievers and beneficiaries of government schemes, have been invited to witness the parade. These individuals, referred to as the architects of Swarnim Bharat (Golden India), symbolize the nation’s progress, according to a Defence Ministry release.
For the first time, a tri-services tableau will demonstrate the integration and jointness of India’s armed forces, under the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Empowered and Secure India). The tableau will feature a Joint Operations Room, highlighting seamless communication and coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The parade will commence at 10:30 AM with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. The National Flag will then be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
The parade will feature tableaux from 16 states and Union Territories and 10 Central Government ministries, all reflecting the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Heritage and Progress). A unique musical performance by 300 artists will showcase the melody of ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ using traditional instruments from across India, symbolizing the nation’s diversity.
The parade will showcase India’s advanced military capabilities, featuring cutting-edge indigenous equipment like:
- T-90 Bhishma Tanks
- BrahMos Missile System
- Pinaka Multi-Launcher Rocket System
- Akash Weapon System
- Advanced Light Helicopter
- Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System
A first-of-its-kind tri-services tableau will depict a battlefield scenario demonstrating synchronized operations on land, air, and sea, featuring platforms like the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, INS Visakhapatnam, and indigenous drones, reflecting India’s vision for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.
A special Veterans’ Tableau themed ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’ will honor the sacrifices and resilience of India’s military veterans. Esteemed veterans and awardees from sports and the armed forces, including Padma Shri Subedar Murlikant Petkar and Khel Ratna awardee Colonel Balbir Singh Kular, will also be present.
Women officers from all three services—Lt Col Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lt Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flt Lt Ruchi Saha—will represent Nari Shakti (women’s power), showcasing the pivotal role of women in shaping India’s armed forces.
The parade will feature marching contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Central Armed Police Forces, NCC, and NSS, with highlights including:
- The 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active horsed cavalry regiment.
- An all-women CRPF contingent led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M.
- Indonesia’s Military Academy contingent and band, adding a unique international touch.
- The Dare Devils Motorcycle Display Team, performing breathtaking stunts like the Human Pyramid and Tank Top formation.
A thrilling fly-past featuring 40 aircraft and helicopters, including Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, and Apache, will conclude the parade. The ceremony will end with the National Anthem and the release of balloons bearing the Republic Day logo, celebrating 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment.
India’s Republic Day 2025 promises to be a vibrant display of its cultural heritage, military strength, and achievements, uniting the nation in pride and celebration.
