President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in commemorating the 75th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2024, with French President Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest. This momentous occasion will unfold a vibrant tapestry highlighting India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, and progress, alongside a salute to its military prowess and the rising influence of Nari Shakti.
Inclusive Participation: A Parade for the People
Rooted in the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka,’ this year’s parade aims for inclusivity, featuring approximately 13,000 Special Guests. This initiative encourages individuals from all walks of life to partake in the celebrations, fostering Jan Bhagidari in this national festival.
For the first time, the parade will commence with over 100 women artists playing traditional Indian musical instruments, symbolizing the celebration of Nari Shakti. An unprecedented all-women Tri-Service contingent will march down Kartavya Path, and women pilots will showcase their skills during the Fly-past. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents will exclusively consist of women personnel, adding a significant dimension to the event.
Pageantry and Tradition: A Glorious Display
The Republic Day parade, scheduled to commence at 10:30 hrs and last approximately 90 minutes, will unfold with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial. The President’s arrival, alongside President Macron, will be escorted by the historic President’s Bodyguard, marking the elite regiment’s 250 years of service.
The traditional unfurling of the National Flag, accompanied by a booming 21-gun salute from indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns and a helicopter shower of flower petals, will set the stage. ‘Aavaahan,’ a band performance by over 100 women artists, will symbolize the strength of Nari Shakti.
Commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the parade will honor Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra winners, showcasing acts of bravery and self-sacrifice. The French contingent will grace Kartavya Path, featuring a march past and a fly-past by a Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets from the French Air & Space Force.
Spectacular Displays Across Services
The Indian Army contingent, led by 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active Horsed Cavalry Regiment, will headline the Mechanised Column. Mechanised Columns, marching contingents, and fly-pasts by Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps will showcase military assets such as T-90 Bhishma tanks, NAG Missile System, and All-Terrain Vehicles.
The Indian Navy contingent, consisting of Agniveers, will display a tableau highlighting ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation.’ The Indian Air Force contingent, featuring LCA Tejas, Su-30, and a tableau themed ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar,’ will demonstrate its capabilities.
The parade will also feature the Indian Coast Guard contingent, showcasing its role in maritime security, and contingents from CAPF and Delhi Police, all led by women personnel. NCC contingents, including the first-ever all-girl Tri-Service Marching contingent, and NSS contingent will add a youthful vigor to the event.
Cultural Extravaganza and Special Guests
‘Vande Bharatam 3.0,’ a cultural extravaganza presented by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture, will feature 1,500 female dancers representing various states and dance styles. The parade will also witness a motorcycle display by CRPF, BSF & SSB women personnel, showcasing their bravery through daredevil stunts.
Around 13,000 Special Guests, including achievers in various fields and beneficiaries of government schemes, will have a prominent presence at Kartavya Path. The celebration extends beyond the parade with ‘Anant Sutra,’ a textile installation by the Ministry of Culture, showcasing nearly 1,900 sarees from across the country.
Unique Initiatives and Future Celebrations
In a digital outreach, an online contest has been organized by the Ministry of Defence, inviting participants to create video clips on the tunes of the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2024. This unique initiative aims to extend the celebration to the public, allowing them to contribute and engage with the festivities.
Special Activities and Diverse Representations
As part of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, various special activities have been organized, including the PM’s NCC rally scheduled for January 27, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the multifarious activities of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), highlighting the role of the youth in the country’s defense and development.
The Beating Retreat ceremony, set to take place at Vijay Chowk on January 29, 2024, will feature Indian tunes played by bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and CAPF. This grand spectacle, including tunes like ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ and ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja,’ will mark the culmination of Republic Day celebrations, resonating with patriotic fervor.
Vande Bharatam 3.0: A Cultural Showcase
For the third consecutive year, the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture will present ‘Vande Bharatam,’ a cultural extravaganza on the theme ‘Cultural expression of women power – accomplishment through resolve.’ Around 1,500 female dancers will mesmerize the audience with diverse performances, showcasing 30 folk dance styles from different states, contemporary classical dance, and Bollywood styles. The artists will include tribal dancers, folk dancers, and classical dancers, creating a vibrant tapestry of India’s cultural richness.
Motorcycle Display: Nari Shakti in Action
Women personnel from CRPF, BSF & SSB will exhibit the country’s Nari Shakti by carrying out daredevil stunts during the motorcycle display. Over 260 women will showcase their bravery, valour, and determination through varied formations, including Chandrayaan, Sarvatra Suraksha, Abhivadan, and Yog Se Siddhi. This segment of the parade emphasizes the strength and resilience of Indian women in various roles, including those in uniform.
Fly-past: A Breathtaking Aerial Display
The eyes will shift from Kartvyapath to the sky as the Indian Air Force’s most eagerly awaited ‘Fly-past’ commences. A breathtaking air show by 54 aircraft/helicopters, including three from the French Air & Space Force, 46 from the Indian Air Force, one from the Indian Navy, and four helicopters from the Indian Army, will unfold. Vintage and modern aircraft, such as Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas,’ Rafale, Su-30, and others, will display various formations, culminating in the Vertical Charlie maneuver performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft.
Online Contest and Public Involvement
In a unique move, the Ministry of Defence has organized an online contest in coordination with MyGov. Running from January 22nd to January 29th, the contest invites participants to create video clips on the tunes of the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2024 through vocal or instrumental modes. This initiative aims to involve the public in the celebration, allowing them to showcase their talent and contribute to the festive spirit.
A Grand Celebration of Nationhood
As the nation celebrates its 75th Republic Day, the grand parade promises to be a spectacle of unity, strength, and diversity. From the representation of women power in various contingents to showcasing achievements in defense, culture, and public participation, the event encapsulates the essence of India’s journey. The inclusivity in the parade, special activities, and cultural showcases reflect the multifaceted tapestry of the country, inviting citizens to take pride in their heritage and contribute to the collective celebration of nationhood.