With the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) and ‘Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India – Mother of Democracy), India is celebrating the 75th Republic Day on Friday.
From showcasing India’s latest missiles, weapon systems, fighter jets to the rich cultural heritage of every region, the Republic Day parade will be an enthralling spectacle with participants marching to the beats of drums, singing, dancing, and performing impressive stunts.
Here are the top highlights of the Republic Day Parade to watch out for.
Chief Guest at Republic Day Celebration
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will be the chief guest for this year's Republic Day celebrations.
Additionally, there will be a parade featuring a marching contingent of 95 members and a band contingent of 33 members from France.
The Fly-past will feature not only the aircraft of the Indian Air Force, but also a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft from the French Air Force.
Showcasing India’s Military prowess
At the parade, the armed forces personnel will display India's most advanced missiles, tanks, weapon systems, fighter jets, and much more, as they roll down the parade route.
A total of 51 lndian Air Force aircraft comprising 29 fighter aircraft, eight transport aircraft, 13 helicopters, and one heritage aircraft will be participating in this year's Republic Day flypast.
Four aircraft from the Indian Army and one from Indian Navy will also fly in two separate formations with the IAF aircraft. All these aircraft will operate from six different bases.
25 Tableaux Showcasing Cultural Diversity
A total of 25 tableaux, including 16 from various states and Union territories, as well as nine from Ministries, Departments, and Organizations, will participate in the magnificent parade, showcasing their essence, unity and cultural diversity.
The procession will grace the Kartavya Path and make its way from India Gate to the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi.
Several tableaux will feature prominent achievements of India in the recent past, including Chandrayaan 2 mission, the construction of the Ram Temple, and other significant events.
Women Personnel Take Lead at Parade
Participants will march through the streets, moving to the rhythm of the drums in their vibrant traditional costumes, celebrating their state’s rich culture.
Regiments from the Indian army, navy, air force, police, and paramilitary forces will also march, giving a grand salute to the chief guest, President, Prime Minister, and other ministers.
Their jaw-dropping stunts on vehicles and acts of valour and daredevilry, which are performed after several practises, are a delight to watch.
This year's Republic Day parade will have a women-centric focus, with the majority of the parade made up of women marching contingents.
100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments will lead the parade for the first time.
For the first time ever, the parade will feature a remarkable all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down Kartavya Path.
Women personnel will also be part of the contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Other highlights
President Droupadi Murmu will be distributing Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country, and recognizing the bravery of soldiers with Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
The Ministry of Culture will be giving a tribute to India’s timeless garment - a seven-yard saree by showcasing the textile installation ‘Anant Sutra - The Endless Thread’ at Kartavya Path.
In honor of the 75th Republic Day, the Ministry of Defence will unveil a Commemorative Coin and Commemorative Stamp as part of the celebrations.