Republic Day Parade: Tableaux, Contingents, Fly-past Shine at Kartavya Path

Photo: PTI

On Sunday, India's Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in Delhi was a spectacular celebration of the nation's rich cultural heritage and military strength. The parade featured 31 vibrant tableaux from various states and ministries, stunning marching contingents, and a thrilling fly-past that captivated the audience with intricate formations.

The parade was graced by the President of Indonesia, who was the chief guest for the occasion. It began with the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu and the Indonesian President in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard. Approximately 10,000 guests, including top performers from various fields and beneficiaries of government schemes, were invited to witness the grandeur of the event. This move was in line with the government's effort to encourage public participation in important national events.

Before the parade started, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in honoring the brave soldiers who gave their lives for the country. The National Flag was then unfurled, followed by a powerful 21-gun salute fired by 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system.

The Republic Day Parade Highlights

The celebrations kicked off with Mi-17 helicopters showering flower petals over the crowd, a sight that delighted everyone watching. The President then took the salute as the parade began, with Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar and Second-in-Command Major General Sumit Mehta leading the march. Among the highlights were the brave recipients of the highest gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashok Chakra awardee Lt Col Jas Ram Singh.

This year’s parade also featured a Tri-services tableau for the first time. The theme, ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Empowered and Safe India), showcased a ‘Joint Operations Room,’ demonstrating how the three armed forces work together to ensure national security.

Another unique part of the parade was a stunning cultural performance involving 5,000 artists from across India. The artists performed 45 different dance forms over an 11-minute display titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam,’ stretching the entire length of Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to the C Hexagon, ensuring that all guests had a front-row view.

An all-women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also participated in the march, with 148 women led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. This was a moment of pride, as it highlighted the growing role of women in India’s armed forces. For the second time, the Delhi Police presented an all-women band, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense. The contingent was commanded by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Kumar Singh.

In a beautiful gesture of friendship, the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Academy’s band also participated in the parade. The 152-member marching contingent and 190-member military band added to the diversity of the parade.

Veterans’ tableaux were another key feature, with a special theme, ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar,’ celebrating the spirit of India’s veterans. Among the veterans marching were women officers who played significant roles in India’s military, such as Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha.

The parade also showcased India’s military strength with a display of advanced missiles, including the T-90 Tank (Bhishma), NAG Missile System, BrahMos, Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, Akash Weapon System, and more. Vehicles like the All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak) and the Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh & Tripurantak) were also on display, demonstrating India’s cutting-edge defense technology.

One of the biggest attractions of the parade was the fly-past. This thrilling aerial show featured 40 aircraft and helicopters, including 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft, and seven helicopters from the Indian Air Force. Some of the standout aircraft included Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, and Apache helicopters. The formations, such as Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, and Trishul, mesmerized the audience. The fly-past concluded with a stunning Vertical Charlie maneuver by a Rafale fighter jet, leaving everyone in awe.

This Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path was a vibrant showcase of India's cultural diversity, military prowess, and the unity that binds the nation together.

Jan. 26, 2025 {{ Blogdetails.schedule_date|time }} 426

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