Nation Celebrates 77th Republic Day with Grand Parade at Kartavya Path
New Delhi: The nation today celebrated its 77th Republic Day with great pride, patriotism and splendour at Kartavya Path in the national capital. President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in the celebrations, while the grand Republic Day Parade showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, military strength and growing self-reliance.
The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. Following this, President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path and took the salute during the ceremonial march past.
This year’s Republic Day Parade, which commenced at 10:30 AM and lasted for about 90 minutes, was held on the theme ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, reflecting 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and India’s rapid progress driven by self-reliance.
The parade witnessed the participation of marching contingents from the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC and NSS. A total of seven marching contingents of the Indian Army, including the animal contingent, marched past the saluting dais. Overall, the Army fielded 18 marching contingents and 13 bands. For the first time, the Army also showcased a Battle Array Format, highlighting its operational preparedness.
A major highlight of the parade was the Tri-services tableau, which depicted ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’, symbolising the unity, integration and collective strength of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Adding colour and cultural vibrancy to the event, 30 tableaux from various States, Union Territories and Central Government Ministries and Departments rolled down Kartavya Path. These tableaux portrayed India’s cultural diversity, developmental achievements and the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat across sectors.
The parade concluded with a spectacular flypast by 29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, including Rafale, Su-30, C-295, MiG-29 and Apache helicopters, leaving the audience spellbound.
To honour the nation’s cultural heritage and social contributions, 2,500 artists presented captivating cultural performances. The government also invited 10,000 Special Guests across 53 categories, including individuals who have made exemplary contributions in areas such as employment generation, technology, innovation, start-ups and Self Help Groups.
The Republic Day Parade was graced by distinguished international guests, with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attending the celebrations as the Chief Guests, further strengthening India’s global partnerships.
The grand event once again reflected India’s unity in diversity, military prowess and unwavering commitment towards progress and self-reliance
