On the historic occasion of India's 75th Republic Day, a multitude of citizens gathered at
Kartavya Path
on Friday morning to witness the iconic
Republic Day Parade
. The parade, a symbol of national pride, commenced with
President Droupadi Murmu
taking the salute.
Led by Parade Commander and General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the parade showcased a remarkable display of military precision.
Parade Second-in-Command and Chief of Staff HQ, Delhi Area, Major General Sumit Mehta followed, leading a procession that included recipients of the highest gallantry awards, such as the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra.
Distinguished individuals like Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retired), along with Ashok Chakra awardees Major General CA Pithawalla (retired), Colonel D Sreeram Kumar, and Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (retired), graced the parade.
Key Highlights:
French President Macron witnesses grand Republic Day parade
- French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed India's 75th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, making him the chief guest at the ceremony. This marked the sixth time a French leader has been the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
Prime Minister Modi dons symbolic yellow of 'Bhagwan Ram
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his distinctive style, chose a multi-coloured turban with the prominent colour yellow, symbolizing Lord Ram. This choice gained significance as he led rituals at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya's newly-built Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir on January 22. Adorned with a beautiful Rajasthani Bandhini print, he paired the turban with a white kurta, pyjama, and a brown Nehru jacket—a ensemble conveying love for the nation, religious beliefs, and the spirit of unity in diversity.
- PM Modi's turban was first spotted when he arrived at the National War Memorial this morning to honour bravehearts of the Indian armed forces.
'Aavaahan' Musical Ensemble Takes Center Stage
- Kartavya Path resonated with a melodious ensemble titled "Aavaahan," marking the first-ever musical journey at the forefront of the grand parade. The performance featured 112 women artists skillfully playing diverse folk and tribal percussion instruments, symbolizing women's strength.
French Rafales and Marching Contingent Participate
- Two Rafale fighter jets, accompanied by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force, soared through Delhi's sky. The French armed forces, including a 30-member band contingent, participated in India's Republic Day celebrations for the second time.
Indigenous Technologies Showcase
- The parade showcased indigenous technologies, including the "Swathi" weapon locating radar system, "Sarvatra" mobile bridging system, drone jammer system, and advanced radio frequency monitoring system. These innovations demonstrate India's commitment to self-reliance in defense.
Advanced Light Helicopters perform fly-past in Rudra formation over Kartavya Path
- The Army Aviation Corps showcased a breathtaking fly-past over Kartavya Path during the 75th Republic Day parade on Friday, featuring the Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). Following the aerial display, marching contingents from the army took center stage.
- The Rudra formation fly-past, led by the newly inducted Prachand helicopter, created a mesmerizing sight as it graced the skies, followed by three Rudra helicopters. The synchronized display demonstrated precision and skill, captivating the audience at the Republic Day celebration.
- The marching contingents included representatives from the Madras Regiment, the Grenadiers, and the Rajputana Rifles, adding a ground-level dynamic to the ceremonial event.
First army contingent 61 Cavalry parades at Kartavya Path
- Maj Yashdeep Ahlawat led the first army contingent, heralding the mechanized column at Kartavya Path during the 75th Republic Day parade. The prestigious 61 Cavalry, raised in 1953, took the forefront in this symbolic display of military prowess.
- Distinguished as the only active Horsed Cavalry Regiment globally, the 61 Cavalry boasts a remarkable history. Notably, it led the last recorded Cavalry charge in history during the Battle of "HAIFA" on September 23, 1918, against the Turks. This day is celebrated as the Regiment's Battle Honour Day, known as Haifa Day.
- The Regiment has accumulated numerous accolades, including 39 Battle Honours, and has excelled in Equestrian and Polo, earning awards such as Padma Shri, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Arjuna Awards, and Chief of Army Staff Commendations. Its motto, 'Ashwa Shakti Yashobal,' reflects its enduring commitment to the supremacy of Horse Power.
Ram Lalla consecration in Ayodhya showcased in UP's R-Day tableau
- Uttar Pradesh's tableau steals the spotlight in this year's Republic Day parade, featuring an artistic representation of Ram Lalla, whose new idol was recently consecrated at a majestic temple in Ayodhya.
- The tableau not only pays homage to the divine ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22 but also highlights the state's significant achievements. Prominently featured is the country's first-ever operational high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the priority section of its inaugural corridor in October.
- The front segment of the tableau intricately captures the consecration ceremony, presenting an artistic model portraying Lord Ram in a youthful form, wielding a bow and arrow—an exquisite homage to the divine symbolism associated with Ayodhya.
- In addition to its spiritual representation, the tableau symbolizes Ayodhya as a city embodying "Viksit Bharat" with "Samriddh Virasat," signifying a developed India rich in prosperous heritage.
Isro's tableau highlights lunar and solar missions, women scientists, and space history
- In the Republic Day parade, Isro's tableau showcased Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing and the Aditya L-1 mission studying the Sun. Emphasizing women scientists' contributions and previewing India's upcoming human space flight, the tableau featured Launch Vehicle Mark-3 and the lunar landing site, Shiv Shakti Point. It underlined ISRO's commitment to space exploration, featuring Aditya L-1's success and future missions like Gaganyaan and Bhartiya Antariksh Station. Paying homage to ancient astronomers like Aryabhatta and Varahamihir, the tableau celebrated India's rich space heritage alongside modern achievements.