India's Republic Day
In 2025, India celebrated its 76th Republic Day under the theme ‘Golden India: Legacy and Progress’. H.E. Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, was invited as the Chief Guest and it was his first visit to India as President since assuming office in October 2024.
The Republic Day parade takes place every year on 26 January at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. This year, more than 18 marching contingents, 31 tableaux, and more than 5000 artistes participated. The parade is the most important and eagerly awaited by all Indian citizens.
The Republic Day honours the day the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950. It signifies the transformation of India into a sovereign democratic republic. The drafting committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, played a pivotal role in creating the Constitution.
Before the beginning of the parade, the Prime Minister of India laid a floral wreath at the National War Memorial. This was followed by two minutes of silence in memory of fallen soldiers.
The President of India arrived at Kartavya Path along with the chief guest of the occasion. They were escorted on horseback by the President's Bodyguard. Then, the President unfurled the National flag, as the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana was played, and a 21-gun salute was fired by the Indian Army.
The Marching Contingent of Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Band of Indonesia's Military Academy took part in the parade. Different regiments of the Indian Army, in addition to the Navy and Air Force with their bands, marched past. Military bands performed patriotic tunes during parades, adding a musical element to the celebrations. The Republic Day parade featured displays of military hardware, including tanks, missiles, and other advanced weaponry. The Indian Air Force often conducted a flypast, showcasing various aircraft, including fighter jets and transport planes. The Indian Navy showcased its strength through ships and naval equipment, sometimes even featuring naval aviation displays. The Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider team, famously known as 'The Dare Devils', performed awe-inspiring stunts during their motorcycle display. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, took the salute.
Floats (a float is a mobile platform or vehicle, often decorated, carrying people or objects) take part in the Republic Day parade. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display.
President Droupadi Murmu and chief guest Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto left Kartavya Path after the grand conclusion of Republic Day parade followed by national anthem. Hundreds of tricolour balloons were released.
Indian Beating Retreat will be conducted on the evening of 29 January and the venue is New Delhi’s Raisina Hills and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk. The ceremony officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities.
See Also: India