India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday as the country put on display its military might, including marching contingents, various indigenous weapon systems, and missiles at the Kartavya Path.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest on the occasion.
The celebrations began with the unfurling of the flag by President Droupadi Murmu, followed by the parade.
Two Param Vir Chakra awardees — Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retd) — both of who fought in the Kargil war — and Ashok Chakra awardee Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (retd) led the marching contingents and offered a salute to the President.
Indian Army Contingent
The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was 61 Cavalry. It was followed by nine mechanised columns and nine marching contingents.
Some of the cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash, with the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Pralay’ marked their presence in the ceremonial parade for the first time.
The parade also featured T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, Sarath (the BMP-II infantry combat vehicle), the 10-meter Short Span Bridging System, the Nag Missile System, as well as the multi-barrel rocket launcher system ‘Agnibaan’ and the ‘Bajrang’ light specialist vehicle.
The marching contingents of the Indian Army included the Brigade of the Guards, the Jat Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Mahar Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment, and the Corps of Signals.
Indian Navy Contingent
The Indian Navy’s contingent comprised 144 personnel. It was followed by the Naval tableau which depicted a strong ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy which has the capability to protect the country’s maritime interests.
The tableau presented the indigenous frontline state-of-the-art combatants, including destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri and submarine INS Vaghsheer – dedicated to the nation earlier this month.
Indian Air Force Contingent
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) contingent consisted of four officers and 144 personnel. It was followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in ‘Baaz formation’.
Veterans’ tableau on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat Ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’ was a key highlight of the parade. The tableau was a tribute by the ex-servicemen to the nation.
Among the other contingents marching down the Kartavya Path was a 148-member all-women marching contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Assam Rifles contingent comprised soldiers recruited from all over the country.
There was also a participation of the Camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF).
The NCC all-girls contingent was led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari (Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh), the all-boys contingent by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul (Maharashtra), and the NSS contingent of 148 volunteers by Deepak (Punjab).
Tableaux On Kartavya Path
There were 31 tableaux on display on the Kartavya Path, including from various states and Union Territories, armed forces among others.
In a first, a tri-services tableau that depicted the broader spirit of ‘jointness’ among the armed forces, rolled down the Kartavya Path. A battlefield scenario was put on display which showed a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter.
Its theme was ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’.
The DRDO, in its tableau, displayed several indigenous critical systems and technologies developed by it.
The DRDO tableau, themed “Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats,” showcased advanced defense systems, including surface-to-air missiles, airborne early warning systems, the Arudhra radar, advanced artillery, drone defense, satellite surveillance, Dharashakti electronic warfare, laser weapons, and unmanned aerial systems.
The Ministry of Culture’s tableau celebrated India’s cultural heritage, economic progress, and rich history of the country.
“The ancient Tamil musical instrument ‘Yaadh’, beautifully placed on “a potter’s wheel (depicted by a representation of Odisha’s famed Konark Wheel), represents the depth and continuity of our musical tradition. And, the kinetic ‘Kalpavriksha’ which transforms into a ‘Golden Bird’ symbolises creativity and progress,” the ministry said.
‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ are the words written on the wheel in Hindi and English along its circumference.
Uttar Pradesh’s tableau showcased the magnificence of ‘Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas’, which is globally recognised as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
While the tableau of Delhi symbolised the collective aspirations of the people of India, the tableau of West Bengal showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, architectural excellence, and artistic traditions.
The tableau of Bihar celebrated the state’s rich traditions of knowledge and peace. The tableau featured Lord Buddha in a meditative Dharmachakra Mudra, symbolising peace and harmony.
