Despite the cold and thick layer of fog covering the national capital, a large number of people gathered at Kartavya Path as President Droupadi Murmu led the processions for India's 75th Republic Day. The event showcased culture, diversity, military strength, women's empowerment, and the vision of a developed India. These celebrations took place in New Delhi, with French President Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest.
This year's Republic Day celebrations in India showcased the nation's cultural vibrancy with the participation of over 13,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds, promoting the idea of "jan bhagidari" (people's participation). A significant highlight of the parade was the central role played by 13,000 women, symbolising national strength and vibrancy.
In a historic moment, the parade was led by more than 100 women artists who performed traditional Indian music, including instruments like Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada. This unique musical prelude marked the beginning of the parade festivities.
The Republic Day parade featured several notable moments, including the debut of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching along the Kartavya Path. Women pilots also captivated the audience with a remarkable Fly-past, symbolizing the strength of women. Additionally, the contingents from the Central Armed Police Forces exclusively consisted of women personnel.
The parade commenced at 10:30 a.m. with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the National War Memorial, where he paid his respects to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Notably, the President of India and her French counterpart were accompanied by the President's bodyguard, known as 'Rashtrapati ke angrakshak,' which is the most senior Regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents arrived in a traditional buggy, reviving a practice that had been dormant for 40 years.
As the crowd patiently awaited the break of dawn, Major Saumya Shukla ASC had the honour of unfurling India's National Flag. This momentous occasion was followed by the rendition of the National Anthem, accompanied by a resounding 21-gun salute delivered using indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns. Adding to the spectacle, four Mi-17 IV helicopters from the 105 Helicopter Unit showered flower petals upon the audience gathered at Kartavya Path.
Subsequently, the parade officially began with the President taking the salute. The parade was under the command of Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area, served as the Parade Second-in-Command.
The highest gallantry awards presented this year included, Param Vir Chakra winners — Subedar Major (Honorary Captain), Yogendra Singh Yadav (retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retd), and Ashok Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalla (retd), Colonel D Sreeram Kumar and Lt. Col Jas Ram Singh (retd).
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
A historic moment unfolded as the French Air and Space Force participated in the flypast over Kartavya Path, marking the first-ever foreign country to join this aerial display. Two French Rafale aircraft and one A330 MRTT graced the skies. Notably, the French regiment was the pioneer in presenting a marching contingent at the parade in 2016.
The Air Force tableau conveyed the concept of "atma nirbharta" (self-reliance) and featured an illustration of an IAF C-295 transport aircraft, operated by two women aircrew.
A notable first occurred as the Delhi Police proudly showcased their all-women contingent during the parade. Alongside them, more than 15 state tableaux and 8 displays from various ministries, defence, and other departments added to the grandeur of the event.
Among these, Meghalaya and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research presented visually captivating displays featuring cherry blossoms and lilacs, respectively. Arunachal Pradesh's tableau focused on its "Bugun Community Reserve," a biodiversity hotspot within the state.
What stood out was the prominent role of women in all the tableaux, including the Indian Space Research Organisation's portrayal of the Chandrayan-3 mission and the significant contributions made by women scientists.
Among the grand showcase of mechanised columns and missile systems, were the march-past by marching contingents — the Madras Regiment, The Grenadiers, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment, and the Kumaon Regiment.
In a vibrant display of "nari shakti" (women's power), approximately 1,500 female dancers graced the occasion by performing 30 diverse folk dances. These captivating performances encompassed dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, and more.
The parade ended with the fly-past in the sky, with different formations like — Arjan, Netra, Varuna, Bheem, Trishul and Vijay — which was formed by Rafale.
‘Beating Retreat’ marks culmination of R-Day celebrations
As the sun began to set, the Raisina Hills resonated with captivating Indian melodies performed by military and paramilitary bands, marking the celebration of the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony in the heart of the national capital.
'Beating Retreat' is a time-honoured military tradition with roots dating back to the era when troops would conclude their activities at sunset. The rhythmic drum beats harken back to those days when soldiers, stationed in towns and cities, were called back to their quarters in the evening.
The ceremony evokes a sense of nostalgia for bygone times and serves as the grand finale of the Republic Day celebrations. During the event, the music bands of the Army, Navy, Indian Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) enthralled the audience with 31 captivating and foot-tapping tunes.
The ceremony began after President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, arrived in a traditional colonial era horse-drawn buggy. The tri-service chiefs welcomed the President. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, senior officials among the general public were present at the ceremony.
It all began with the massed band’s ‘Shankhnaad’ tune, followed by enthralling tunes such as ‘Veer Bharat’, ‘Sangam Dur’, ‘Deshon ka Sartaj Bharat’, ‘Bhagirathi’, and ‘Arjuna’ by pipes and drums band. The public clapped to every beat, while some recorded the moment.
The event ended with the ever-popular tune of ‘Sare Jahan se Acha.’ The public sang the national anthem, and the Tricolour flag was taken down.