Republic Day parade marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s military might
India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with President Droupadi Murmu presiding over the grand parade from Kartavya Path.
The President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests, marking a high-profile European Union presence at the ceremony.
This year’s parade, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, is themed around 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s progress, military strength, cultural diversity and the spirit of Jan Bhagidari.
The event blended tradition with technology, showcasing India’s armed forces, indigenous defence systems, cultural artists, tableaux and a major fly-past.
The parade began at 10.30 am and will last around 90 minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes at the National War Memorial. President Murmu, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen arrived at the Kartavya Path in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the Army’s senior-most regiment.
The National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
About 100 cultural artists led the parade on the theme “Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity”, showcasing musical instruments from across India. Four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit in the Dhwaj Formation, led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, showered flower petals.
The parade was commanded by Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, with Major General Navraj Dhillon as Second-in-Command.
Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashok Chakra awardees Maj Gen CA Pithawalia (Retd) and Col D Sreeram Kumar marched during the event.
The EU contingent included four flag bearers carrying the flags of the European Union, EU Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta, and EU Naval Force Aspides.