New Delhi: India marked its 76th Republic Day with a spectacular display of national pride, military might, and cultural richness at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday. The event was led by President Droupadi Murmu, who was joined by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the chief guest for the occasion, in a ceremony that highlighted India’s unity, progress, and resilience.
The day’s proceedings began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to honor India’s fallen heroes, laying a wreath as a mark of respect. This was followed by the official ceremony, where President Murmu made her entrance in a ceremonial buggy, accompanied by President Subianto. The National Flag was unfurled, and the national anthem was performed, followed by a 21-gun salute, marking the start of the grand celebrations.
A cultural extravaganza followed, with 300 artists performing the patriotic anthem Sare Jahan Se Achha using traditional instruments from across the country. Adding to the grandeur, Mi-17 helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit showered flower petals over the audience in the Dhwaj Formation.
The military parade featured cutting-edge defense technology, including the T-90 Bhishma tank, the NAG Missile System, the BrahMos missile, the Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, and the Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher, demonstrating India’s growing military capabilities and strategic readiness.
This year’s parade also showcased 31 tableaux under the theme Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas (Golden India: Heritage and Development), celebrating India’s cultural diversity and progress. For the first time, a Tri-services tableau was included, symbolizing the integration and synergy within India’s armed forces. Notable among the displays was Haryana’s tribute to the Bhagavad Gita and Uttar Pradesh’s tableau featuring the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025.
In a remarkable show of international partnership, a 152-strong contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) participated in the parade, displaying the unity and strength of the Indonesian military. Their performance reflected Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (“Unity in Diversity”), and underscored the close ties between the two nations. A 190-member military band from Indonesia’s Military Academy, Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, also contributed to the parade’s vibrant atmosphere.
The grand finale of the event featured a breathtaking flypast by 47 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, Dornier-228, and An-32 aircraft, as well as Apache and Mi-17 helicopters, thrilling the thousands of spectators in attendance.
This year’s Republic Day also saw a shift towards greater public involvement, with 10,000 special guests invited to witness the celebrations. These guests, from diverse sectors such as handicraft artisans, road construction workers, and ASHA and Anganwadi workers, were honored for their significant contributions to society.
The 76th Republic Day celebrations were a fitting tribute to India’s enduring heritage, its military might, and its continued march towards progress.
