Sun Jan 26 16:56:25 UTC 2025: ## Spectacle and Controversy Mark India’s 76th Republic Day Parade

**New Delhi** – India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a spectacular parade down Kartavya Path on Sunday, featuring over 18 marching contingents, 31 tableaux, and more than 5,000 artists. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest, with Indonesian military contingents also participating.

The parade, which began after President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag, included a unique moment: Parade Commander Lt. General Bhavnish Kumar marched alongside his son, Lieutenant Ahan Kumar, who led the 61 Cavalry contingent. The event also featured breathtaking daredevil motorcycle stunts and a captivating aerial display by the Indian Air Force. A cultural performance, spanning the entire Kartavya Path, showcased the nation’s diversity. This year’s theme was “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). A first-time tri-service tableau highlighted the armed forces’ unity.

Over 70,000 police personnel were deployed across Delhi to ensure security for the approximately 10,000 special guests. The parade was live-streamed for viewers nationwide.

The celebrations weren’t without controversy. The BJP criticized the absence of key Congress leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, from the event. Meanwhile, separate incidents included a drunk headmaster attempting to unfurl the flag in Bihar and a special Republic Day function for Jammu and Kashmir residents following recent mysterious deaths in their village.

The parade also showcased India’s military might, displaying a range of missiles and armored vehicles. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s performance in Ahmedabad added to the day’s festivities, with him surprisingly singing “Vande Mataram.” An all-women police band also performed. Numerous other highlights included the participation of Kerala’s Tribal King Raman Rajamannan, the “fly-past” featuring 40 aircraft, and the performance of the Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, known as “The Daredevils.” President Murmu and President Subianto arrived in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, a revival of a practice not seen in decades.

The day concluded with the traditional Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border and the release of hundreds of tricolor balloons. President Murmu and President Subianto departed Kartavya Path following the national anthem. Reports of a loud sound causing panic in Guwahati during celebrations also emerged. Social media buzzed with posts from Prime Minister Modi, Shah Rukh Khan, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, among others.

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