India gearing up for the 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path
Indonesian President Mr. Prabowo Subianto will serve as the Chief Guest.
The event will celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development, and military strength, with a particular emphasis on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment.
Thirty-one tableaux will proceed along Kartavya Path under the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.’ Notably, a Tri-services tableau will highlight the spirit of collaboration and integration among the Armed Forces for the first time.
Approximately 10,000 distinguished guests from various sectors will attend the parade.
A cultural performance featuring 5,000 artists will take place along the entire length of Kartavya Path, marking a first in this context.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will preside over the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. This year’s festivities will emphasize the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment and the concept of Jan Bhagidari, showcasing a distinctive amalgamation of India’s vast cultural diversity, unity, equality, development, and military strength. The Chief Guest for the occasion will be Mr. Prabowo Subianto, the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
Approximately 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to observe the parade, aligning with the Government’s aim to enhance ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in significant national events. These guests, representing various sectors, are recognized as the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat,’ including top achievers in diverse fields and individuals who have effectively utilized government schemes.
The parade is scheduled to commence at 10:30 hours and will last for about 90 minutes. The ceremony will begin with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in honoring the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Following this, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will proceed to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to observe the parade.
The arrival of the President of India and her Indonesian counterpart will be accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard, the most senior regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents will arrive in the ‘Traditional Buggy,’ a practice that was reinstated in 2024 after a hiatus of 40 years.
In accordance with tradition, the National Flag will be raised, followed by the National Anthem, accompanied by a resounding 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous artillery system.
The parade will commence with the performance of 300 cultural artists who will play the anthem ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ using a diverse array of musical instruments from various regions of the country. This unique combination of instruments will echo the melody, rhythm, and aspirations of a billion Indian hearts. The collection of instruments featured includes the Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha from Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim, Thavil, Gudum Baza, Talam, and Monbah.
Flower petals will be showered from Mi-17 1V helicopters belonging to the 129 Helicopter Unit as part of the Dhwaj Formation. This formation, which will also carry the National Flag, will be led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.
Following this, the parade will officially begin with the President taking the salute. The event will be under the command of Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area, who is a second-generation officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff at HQ Delhi Area, will serve as the Parade Second-in-Command.
The distinguished recipients of the highest gallantry awards will follow, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), along with Ashok Chakra recipient Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd). The Param Vir Chakra is conferred for the most remarkable acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra recognizes similar acts of valor and self-sacrifice in situations other than direct combat.
Indonesian Contingent
The Kartavya Path will feature a march past by the Marching Contingent of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, accompanied by the Military Band from Indonesia’s Military Academy. The marching contingent will comprise 152 members, while the military band will consist of 190 members.
Indian Army Contingent
The initial Army contingent at the forefront of the Mounted Column will consist of the 61 Cavalry, commanded by Lt Ahaan Kumar. Established in 1953, the 61 Cavalry holds the distinction of being the only active Horsed Cavalry Regiment currently in service globally, resulting from the integration of all ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units.’ This contingent will be succeeded by nine Mechanised Columns and nine marching units.
On display at Kartavya Path will be various military assets, including the T-90 Tank (Bhishma), the NAG Missile System paired with BMP-2 Sarath, BrahMos, the Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, the Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher, the Akash Weapon System, the Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System, the All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak), the Light Specialist Vehicle (Bajrang), the Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (Airawat), Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh & Tripurantak), and the Short-Span Bridging System.
Marching along the Kartavya Path will be contingents from the Brigade of the Guards, The Jat Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, The Mahar Regiment, The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, and the Corps of Signals, among others.
Tri-Services Tableau
In a historic first, a Tri-services tableau will proceed along Kartavya Path, showcasing the essence of collaboration and integration. Under the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat,’ the tableau will illustrate a Joint Operations Room that enhances networking and communication among the three Services. It will present a battlefield scenario that highlights a coordinated operation across land, sea, and air, featuring the indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam, and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft, all reflecting the synergy of the Tri-services in multi-domain operations. These platforms embody the commitment to achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defense.
Veterans’ Tableau
A significant feature of the event will be the Veterans’ Tableau, themed ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar,’ which serves as a profound homage to the steadfast spirit of our veterans, who epitomize discipline, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Enhancing this tribute will be the distinguished veterans who have achieved remarkable success in sports, including Padma Shri awardee Subedar Murlikant Petkar, whose life story inspired the Bollywood film Chandu Champion, and Honorary Captain Jitu Rai. The tableau will also honor Arjuna and Khel Ratna awardees such as Colonel Balbir Singh Kular, Captain (IN) Homi Motivala, Master Chief Petty Officer Tajinder Toor, Master Warrant Officer Ram Mehar Singh, and Wing Commander Gurmeet Sandhu.
In representation of Nari Shakti, veteran women officers from all three branches of the armed forces will be present, including Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, highlighting the essential contributions of women in the evolution of our military.
Indian Navy Contingent
The Indian Navy contingent will comprise 144 personnel, under the leadership of Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia as Contingent Commander, alongside Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani, and Lt Devender as Platoon Commanders. This will be succeeded by the Naval Tableau, which illustrates a formidable ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy dedicated to safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
The tableau will feature the newly-commissioned indigenous frontline combat vessels, including the Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri, and Submarine INS Vaghsheer, showcasing India’s swift advancements in indigenous warship design and construction, while reaffirming the Indian Navy’s commitment to establishing a robust and self-reliant defense ecosystem.
Indian Air Force Contingent
The contingent from the Indian Air Force will consist of four officers and 144 personnel, under the leadership of Squadron Leader Mahender Singh Garati. The team will include Flight Lieutenant Nepo Moirangthem, Flight Lieutenant Damini Deshmukh, and Flying Officer Abhinav Gorsi as additional officers. This will be succeeded by a fly-past featuring three MiG-29 aircraft in a formation known as ‘Baaz Formation’.
Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contingent will be commanded by Deputy Commandant Navita Thakran, accompanied by three officers: Deputy Commandant Sumit Kumar, Deputy Commandant Pankaj Saini, and Assistant Commandant Priya Balurkar.
Following this, a tableau representing the ICG will be presented, emphasizing coastal security and maritime search and rescue operations. The theme for this display is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Progress’.
DRDO Tableau & Equipment
During the parade, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase several groundbreaking innovations aimed at enhancing national security. The DRDO tableau, themed ‘Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’, will include a variety of advanced systems such as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, Airborne Early Warning & Control System, 155 mm/52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Drone Detection, Deter & Destroy capabilities, Satellite-Based Surveillance System, Medium Power Radar – Arudhra, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, Electronic Warfare System – Dharashakti, Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon, Very Short Range Air Defence System, Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System, V/UHF Manpack Software Defined Radio for Land Forces, Indigenous Secure Satellite Phone, and UGRAM Assault Rifle.
Additionally, the tableau will feature posters highlighting DRDO’s significant achievements anticipated for 2024, including the Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile, the Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket ‘ABHED’, the Divyastra – Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle, the ‘Zorawar’ Light Tank, and the Dornier Mid-Life Upgrade, which incorporates radar, Electronic Warfare System, and Software Defined Radio enhancements.
Contingents of paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces
Among the groups parading along the Kartavya Path will be a contingent of 148 women from the Central Reserve Police Force, commanded by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. The Railway Protection Force’s marching unit will be led by Divisional Security Commissioner Aditya.
The Assam Rifles contingent will be under the leadership of Captain Karanveer Singh Kumbhavat from the 29 Assam Rifles, consisting of soldiers recruited nationwide.
The Delhi Police marching unit will be directed by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Kumar Singh. The all-women band of the Delhi Police will participate for the second time, under the direction of Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense.
The Camel contingent from the Border Security Force will be commanded by Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.
The all-girls marching unit of the NCC – SW (Girls) will be led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari from the Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate. The all-boys marching unit – SD (Boys) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul from the Maharashtra Directorate. The National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent, comprising 148 volunteers, will be led by Mr. Deepak from Punjab.
Tableaux
Tableaux from 16 State Government/Union Territories and 10 Ministries/Departments of the Central Government highlighting ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, will participate in the parade this year. These tableaux would showcase India’s diverse strengths and its constantly-evolving cultural inclusiveness marching into a glorious future. The details of the participating tableaux of States/UTs are as follows:
| S No | States/UTs | Theme |
| 1 | Goa | Cultural Heritage of Goa |
| 2 | Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports |
| 3 | Haryana | Showcasing Bhagwad Gita |
| 4 | Jharkhand | Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress |
| 5 | Gujarat | Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas |
| 6 | Andhra Pradesh | Etikoppaka Bommalu- Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys |
| 7 | Punjab | Punjab as the land of knowledge and wisdom |
| 8 | Uttar Pradesh | Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas |
| 9 | Bihar | Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas (Nalanda Vishwavidyalya) |
| 10 | Madhya Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh’s Glory: Kuno National park- The land of CHeetahs |
| 11 | Tripura | Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja |
| 12 | Karnataka | Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft |
| 13 | West Bengal | The ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ & ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ – Empowering Lives and Fostering Self-Reliance in Bengal |
| 14 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability |
| 15 | Delhi | Quality Education |
| 16 | Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman Aviary Bird Park along with Kukri Memorial- a tribute to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy |
The details of tableaux of Ministries/Departments are as follows:
| S No | Departments/Ministries | Theme |
| 1 | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment | The Constitution of India, a cornerstone of our Virasat (Heritage), Vikas and Path-Pradarshak |
| 2 | Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh |
| 3 | Ministry of Women & Child Development | Multifaceted journey of women and children nurtured under the Ministry’s comprehensive schemes |
| 4 | Ministry of New & Renewable Energy | Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development |
| 5 | Ministry of Rural Development | Lakhpati Didi |
| 6 | Department of Financial Services | India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution |
| 7 | Ministry of Earth Sciences (IMD) | Modern Science forecasting extreme weather conditioning- saving lives and livelihood |
| 8 | Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying | Golden India Heritage and Development Honouring India’s Indigenous Bovine Breeds as Icons of Sustainable Rural Growth |
| 9 | Ministry of Culture | Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development |
| 10 | CPWD | 75 Years of Constitution of India through flower tableau |
Beating Retreat Ceremony
RDC comes to a close with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’, which is held every year on the 29th January at Vijay Chowk. It marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags lowered. During the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2025, only Indian Tunes will be played by all the participating bands.
Bharat Parv
‘Bharat Parv’ will be organised at the Red Fort, Delhi from January 26-31, 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism. It will showcase Republic Day Tableaux, performances by the Military Bands (Static), cultural performances, Food Courts serving pan India cuisines and Crafts Bazaar.
PM’s NCC Rally
PM’s NCC rally, with the theme of ‘Yuva Shakti-Viksit Bharat’ is scheduled to be organised at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt. on January 27, 2025. During the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will review the multifarious activities of the NCC.
KCSOS Wishing All its Readers a Happy Republic Day!
Jai Hind
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