Sun Jan 26 12:45:27 UTC 2025: ## Spectacle and Unity Mark India’s 76th Republic Day

**New Delhi** – India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a vibrant and impressive parade down Kartavya Path on Sunday, January 26th, 2025. The event, attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest, featured over 18 marching contingents, 31 tableaux showcasing the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), and more than 5,000 artists performing a captivating 11-minute cultural spectacle.

President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag, followed by a salute from parade commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, a noteworthy moment as he participated alongside his son, Lieutenant Ahan Kumar, who led the 61 Cavalry contingent. The parade also included daring motorbike stunts and breathtaking aerial displays by the Indian Air Force, including formations like the Arka, Trishul, and Amritkal. A first-time inclusion was a tri-service tableau highlighting the armed forces’ unity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes at the National War Memorial before the parade. Over 10,000 special guests witnessed the event, while over 70,000 police personnel ensured security across Delhi. The Indonesian contingent, comprising 152 personnel and a 190-member military band, also participated. Other highlights included an all-women CRPF marching contingent, and the showcasing of the Indian Army’s robotic dog, ‘Sanjay’.

Several prominent figures shared their Republic Day sentiments. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of the Constitution’s principles, while Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan pledged to contribute to a stronger India. The celebrations also extended to the Attari-Wagah border, with the BSF exchanging greetings with their Bangladeshi counterparts and cultural performances taking place.

The day also saw the announcement of Padma Awards, with tributes paid to late folk singer Sharda Sinha, who received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. The celebrations concluded with the release of hundreds of tricolor balloons and President Murmu’s escort by the President’s Bodyguard. A loud, unexplained sound in Guwahati briefly caused alarm during the day’s festivities.

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