Mon Jan 27 05:00:19 UTC 2025: ## Spectacle and Security Mark India’s 76th Republic Day
**New Delhi** – India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a vibrant and meticulously secured parade along Kartavya Path on Sunday. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest, marking the second time in nearly 40 years that a horse-drawn buggy carried the visiting dignitary and President Droupadi Murmu to the event.
The parade featured over 18 marching contingents, 31 tableaux representing states and ministries under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), and over 5,000 artists. A first-time tri-services tableau highlighted the armed forces’ joint operations. The Indian Air Force showcased a breathtaking aerial display involving 40 aircraft and helicopters. Daredevil motorcycle stunts by the Corps of Signals added to the spectacle.
A rare moment saw Lt. General Bhavnish Kumar participating in the parade alongside his son, Lieutenant Ahan Kumar, who commanded the 61 Cavalry.
Security was tight, with over 70,000 police personnel deployed across Delhi. The celebrations also included a cultural performance spanning the entire Kartavya Path, a first for the event.
The day also saw tributes to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who later thanked world leaders for their Republic Day greetings. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, performing in Ahmedabad, added to the festive atmosphere by singing “Vande Mataram.”
However, the day wasn’t without incidents. A few individuals were arrested in Amritsar for allegedly attempting to vandalize a B.R. Ambedkar statue, while a school headmaster in Bihar was arrested for attempting to unfurl the national flag while intoxicated. The absence of key Congress leaders from the parade drew criticism from the BJP. A special Republic Day function was organized for residents of Jammu and Kashmir following recent mysterious deaths in their village.
The parade concluded with the release of hundreds of tricolour balloons and the traditional escort of President Murmu by the President’s Bodyguard. The event was live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
First Piper 