India celebrated its 76th Republic Day; a time to have a peek into the journey of this grand celebration. Over the past 75 years, Republic Day has become synonymous with national pride, a display of military might, and a vibrant showcase of India's diverse cultural heritage. This year's theme, "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" ("Golden India: Heritage and Development"). A total of 31 tableaux, including 16 tableaux from states and Union Territories, and 15 from central ministries and organisations rolled down the Kartavya Path. Each depicted a unique aspect of India's heritage and development.
Some Anecdotes
The first Republic Day celebration in 1950 and today's 76th Republic Day share a common thread: the Indonesian President as the chief guest. In 1950, Indonesia's first President, Sukarno, graced the occasion, and this year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is the guest of honor. This highlights the relationship between the two nations, built on shared values of democracy, cultural exchange, and a pursuit of economic development. The presence of the Indonesian President at these two Republic Day celebrations symbolizes the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Another interesting anecdote comes from the 1963 Republic Day parade. Following the Indo-China war, Late Lata Mangeshkar performed the song "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon," written by Kavi Pradeep. This deeply moved the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears, and the song became an anthem of national unity and remembrance. "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon" continues to be an integral part of Republic Day celebrations.
During the 2025 Republic Day parade, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the Parade Commander, had the unique experience of participating alongside his son, Lieutenant Ahan Kumar, who led the contingent of the 61st Cavalry.
Republic Day celebrations have witnessed several other incidents worth mentioning. In 1971, the parade celebrated India's victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War, showcasing captured Pakistani tanks and other wartime achievements. This demonstrated India's military strength. In 2001, following the devastating Gujarat earthquake, the Republic Day parade took on a new meaning. It became a symbol of national resilience and showcased the nation's determination to overcome challenges and rebuild. This demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and the ability of the Indian people to come together in times of crisis.
This year's Republic Day parade also featured some notable events. The parade showcased a wide array of military equipment, both cutting-edge and established. Leading the display was advanced platforms like the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket system, and Akash air defense system. Debuting this year were the Army's 'Sanjay' Battle Surveillance System and DRDO's 'Pralay' tactical missile. In addition to these, the parade featured the T-90 'Bhishma' tanks, Sarath infantry carrying vehicles, the Nag Missile System, and the 'Airawat' vehicle-mounted infantry mortar system.
This year's Republic Day parade featured a unique tri-services tableau, symbolising unity among the armed forces. The DRDO showcased its 'Raksha Kavach' tableau, highlighting multi-layered defense against various threats. Leading the mounted column was the 61st Cavalry, the world's only active horse cavalry regiment, while veteran women officers from all three services represented 'nari shakti' (women power).
The 2025 parade also saw the participation of two Param Vir Chakra awardees and one Ashok Chakra awardee. These brave individuals, who have displayed exceptional courage and valor in the face of the enemy, were honoured for their service and sacrifice. Adding to the excitement of the parade, the Corps of Signals performed a motorcycle stunt display. Captain Dimple Singh Bhati made history by becoming the first woman officer of the Indian Army to present a salute to the President on a moving motorcycle. The daredevils also attempted to set two world records during their performance, showcasing their skill and daring.
The grand finale of the Republic Day parade saw a spectacular flypast with 40 Indian Air Force aircraft, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, and Su-30 fighter jets, soaring through the sky. Adding to this were three Dornier aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard. Kartavya Path came alive with cultural performances by 5,000 artists, and "Sare Jahan Se Achha" played by 300 artists on instruments representing different regions of India. This symbolised the unity in diversity that defines the nation.
To ensure the smooth and safe execution of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, Delhi was under a tight security blanket. Over 70 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 70,000 police personnel are deployed across the city, with traffic restrictions in place to facilitate the parade and other events. A six-layered security cordon safeguarded the capital, utilising over 2,500 CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition technology. Anti-drone systems, rooftop snipers, and restricted access to over 200 buildings along the parade route further enhanced security measures.
