Sun Jan 26 06:34:59 UTC 2025: ## Grand Republic Day Parade Showcases India’s Military Might and Cultural Heritage
**New Delhi, January 26** – India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a spectacular parade down Kartavya Path, featuring a vibrant display of military prowess, cultural richness, and a strong emphasis on national unity. The event, attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (the chief guest), saw a record-breaking participation of over 10,000 guests, reflecting the government’s focus on increased public engagement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at the National War Memorial before joining the celebrations. The parade, themed “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), commenced at 10:30 am and lasted approximately 90 minutes. It included 31 tableaux, a first-ever tri-services tableau highlighting inter-service cooperation, and cultural performances by 5,000 artists. The parade was heralded by a captivating performance of “Sare Jahan Se Achha” by 300 musicians playing a diverse range of traditional Indian instruments.
A significant contingent of 152 members from the Indonesian National Armed Forces, along with a 190-member band from Indonesia’s Military Academy, participated, underscoring the strong bilateral ties. The parade showcased a range of cutting-edge military hardware including the T-90 tank, NAG missile system, BrahMos cruise missile, and other advanced weaponry. The tri-services tableau, titled “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India), presented a simulated joint operation demonstrating the coordinated capabilities of the Indian armed forces across land, sea, and air.
A special tableau dedicated to veterans, themed “Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar” (Always progressing towards a developed India), paid tribute to their service and featured prominent sports veterans, including Padma Shri awardees Subedar Murlikant Petkar and Honorary Captain Jitu Rai. The participation of veteran women officers from all three services highlighted the growing role of women in the armed forces. An all-women marching contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) further emphasized this representation.
The Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29th at Vijay Chowk, a centuries-old military tradition. This year, the ceremony will exclusively feature Indian musical pieces.
First Piper 