New Delhi, Jan 26: India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on Monday, marking the adoption of the Constitution and celebrating the nation’s rich cultural and military heritage. The grand festivities will be presided over by President Droupadi Murmu at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with special guests, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, attending the event.
The celebrations, set to run from 10:30 AM for approximately 90 minutes, will highlight India’s 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, along with its remarkable developmental progress, military strength, and vibrant cultural diversity. Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, has been beautifully decorated for this occasion.
The event will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he will lay a wreath to honour the fallen heroes. He, along with other dignitaries, will then move to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path for the parade. The arrival of the President of India and the European Union leaders will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
In keeping with tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment, using indigenously developed 105mm Light Field Guns.
A highlight of this year’s celebrations will be a cultural display on the theme Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity, featuring nearly 100 artists showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity through music and performance. Flower petals will be showered from four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit, marking a moment of grandeur.
The parade will be commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, with Major General Navraj Dhillon as the Parade Second-in-Command. The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra recipients, will be honoured during the parade. For the first time, the Indian Army will showcase its phased Battle Array Format, including aerial support from the indigenous DHRUV Advanced Light Helicopter and the RUDRA armed version.
In another first, the parade will feature advanced military systems like the T-90 BHISHMA Main Battle Tank and Arjun tanks, along with support from Apache AH-64E helicopters and the PRACHAND Light Combat Helicopter. Other mechanised elements include the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle and the Nag Missile System Mk-2, followed by a detachment of Special Forces.
The parade will also highlight cutting-edge technologies such as SHAKTIBAAN and DIVYASTRA – new generation unmanned warhead systems equipped with swarm drones and advanced UAVs. Additionally, the BrahMos supersonic missile system and the SURYASTRA Universal Rocket Launcher will showcase India’s long-range precision strike capabilities.
A powerful demonstration of India’s air defence will be seen with the Akash Weapon System and ABHRA Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM). The LR-AShM hypersonic missile system, developed by DRDO, will also be showcased, further cementing India’s growing military self-reliance.
The animal contingents, featuring Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, and Indian breed dogs, will march alongside soldiers, highlighting the brave animals that serve in India’s defence forces. Along with them, contingents from various security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Delhi Police, will participate in the parade.
The Indian Navy will be represented by 144 young personnel, led by Lt Karan Nagyal, who will also present a tableau featuring India's naval might. The tableau will showcase indigenous platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the Kalvari-class submarine, as well as the circumnavigation route of INSV Tarini as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition.
The Indian Air Force will perform a thrilling fly-past with aircraft including Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, and Jaguar in the ‘Spearhead’ Formation. The Tri-services tableau, themed Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness, will highlight the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
In a tribute to the nation’s veterans, the Veterans’ Tableau will depict their journey from war to nation-building, while the Women’s Indian Coast Guard contingent, led by Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma, will symbolise India’s maritime strength and commitment to security.
A total of 30 tableaux, representing 17 states and union territories and 13 ministries, will also be a part of the parade, with themes reflecting India’s growing self-reliance and vibrant cultural diversity. This year’s tableau theme, Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, will highlight the nation’s progress towards an independent and prosperous future.
This Republic Day marks yet another milestone in India’s journey as a sovereign, self-reliant, and globally influential nation.
