The stage is set for the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the ceremonies. The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

“Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. These Special Guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the Government,” said the Ministry of Defence in an official release.

The event will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial, laying a wreath in honour of the country’s fallen heroes. Following this solemn tribute, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will proceed to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path. President Murmu and the Indonesian President will arrive in a traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, a ceremonial practice revived in 2024 after four decades.

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The celebrations will begin with the unfurling of the National Flag, accompanied by a 21-gun salute delivered using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns. Adding a cultural dimension, 300 artists will play the iconic “Sare Jahan Se Achha” on instruments representing India’s rich musical traditions. Aerial displays by Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit, showering flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation, will enhance the grandeur of the moment.

As the parade begins, President Murmu will take the salute. Among the highlights will be the participation of gallantry award recipients, including Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), and Ashok Chakra awardee Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd).

For the first time, a Tri-Services tableau will be showcased, symbolising jointness and integration under the theme “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat.” It will depict a Joint Operations Room coordinating land, water, and air operations using indigenous defence platforms such as the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam, and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft. This display underscores India’s strides toward self-reliance in defence.

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Another key feature will be the Veterans’ Tableau, themed “Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar,” honouring the unwavering dedication of India’s veterans. The parade will also pay tribute to veterans who have brought glory to India in sports, including Padma Shri awardee Subedar Murlikant Petkar, the inspiration for the Bollywood film Chandu Champion, and other decorated individuals like Colonel Balbir Singh Kular and Wing Commander Gurmeet Sandhu.

Highlighting the role of women in the armed forces, veteran women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force—Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha—will represent Nari Shakti in the parade.

Sixteen state and union territory tableaux, along with ten central ministries and departments, will showcase the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,” reflecting India’s cultural diversity, heritage, and progress. These vibrant displays will emphasise the nation’s inclusive journey toward a brighter future.

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