India Celebrates 76th Republic Day With Grand Parade Showcasing Military Strength And Cultural Diversity — Key Highlights

India on Sunday (26 January) celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade along the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing the nation's military strength and cultural diversity.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto attended as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. He was accompanied by a 352-member Indonesian marching and band contingent that participated in the parade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the day by honouring fallen soldiers during a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial near India Gate.

Here are the key highlights of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations:

1. The Republic Day parade commenced at 10.30 am, with President Droupadi Murmu receiving the salute. Around 10,000 special guests attended the event.

2. A total of 31 tableaux, including 16 tableaux from states and Union Territories, and 15 from central ministries and organisations were shown on the Kartavya Path. The theme for the tableaux was 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.

3. The parade highlighted advanced defence platforms like BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and Akash air defence systems. Debuting systems included the Army's 'Sanjay' Battle Surveillance and DRDO’s 'Pralay' tactical missile, alongside T-90 'Bhishma' tanks, Sarath infantry vehicles, and the Airawat mortar system.

4. For the first time, the tri-services presented a joint tableau symbolising the unity of India’s armed forces. DRDO’s 'Raksha Kavach' tableau displayed advanced multi-domain defence solutions.

5. The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was the iconic 61 Cavalry, the only serving horsed cavalry regiment in the world. Women veterans from all three services represented nari shakti.

6. The Corps of Signals’ daredevils thrilled the audience with motorcycle stunts, marking the conclusion of the 90-minute parade.

7. The grand finale showcased a flypast by 40 Indian Air Force aircraft, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, and Su-30 jets, with three Dornier aircraft from the Coast Guard enhancing the display.

8. Cultural performances by 5,000 artists adorned Kartavya Path, with 300 musicians playing 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' using instruments reflecting India’s regional diversity.

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