New Delhi: India celebrates its 76th Republic Day today with a grand parade along the Kartavya Path, commemorating the platinum jubilee of the Constitution’s enactment. The event will showcase the nation’s military strength and cultural diversity in a spectacular display.
Indonesia’s President To Be Chief Guest
Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, is the chief guest for the occasion, accompanied by a 352-member Indonesian marching contingent participating in the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin the day by paying homage to fallen soldiers with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial. The parade, starting at 10:30 AM, will feature President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute, with around 10,000 special guests in attendance.
Details On This Year’s Parade
This year’s parade will feature 31 tableaux, including 16 from states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries and organizations. The theme, ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ reflects India’s legacy and progress. Cutting-edge defence systems such as the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket system, Akash air defence system, and DRDO’s tactical missile ‘Pralay’ will be displayed. The Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and other key military assets like T-90 Bhishma tanks, Nag Missile Systems, and Airawat infantry mortar systems will also be featured.
For the first time, the armed forces will present a joint tri-service tableau, symbolizing unity among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. DRDO’s tableau, themed ‘Raksha Kavach,’ will highlight advanced protection against multi-domain threats. Women officers from all three services will also represent ‘Nari Shakti’ in the parade, while the iconic 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active horsed cavalry regiment, will lead the mounted column.
Aerial displays will include 40 aircraft from the Indian Air Force, such as the C-130J Super Hercules, Su-30 fighter jets, and Indian Coast Guard’s Dornier planes. The crowd-favorite motorcycle stunt team, Corps of Signals’ Daredevils, will perform thrilling displays.
Cultural performances by 5,000 artists will fill the Kartavya Path, with 300 musicians playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on traditional instruments like shehnai, dhol, nadaswaram, and tutari, showcasing India’s musical heritage.
Security Ramped Up
Delhi is under a high-security alert with 70,000 police personnel, anti-drone systems, rooftop snipers, and over 2,500 CCTV cameras with facial recognition deployed. A six-layered security arrangement and restricted access to over 200 buildings along the route ensure a safe celebration.
The 90-minute-long parade will culminate with a breathtaking flypast, uniting India’s military might and cultural vibrancy in a tribute to its Constitution and democratic spirit.
