NEW DELHI — India marked its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a vibrant parade that highlighted its military strength along with the nation’s rich cultural diversity in the capital city. The Indonesian president was invited as the chief guest for the occasion.
On a crisp Sunday morning, tens of thousands gathered along the parade route to witness this significant event, which commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution on January 26, 1950, almost three years after gaining independence from British rule.
The parade featured soldiers from both the Indian military and paramilitary forces, along with their musical bands, as top officials and esteemed guests took in the proceedings. Various floats represented India’s cultural tapestry, including a display celebrating the Maha Kumbh festival, currently regarded as the largest religious gathering in the world.
Taking place on Rajpath Avenue, a historic boulevard designed during British rule and adorned with expansive lawns, waterways, and rows of trees, the parade recently underwent redevelopment in connection with the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. It was renamed Kartavayapath, translating to the Boulevard of Duty, in 2022.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto participated as the chief guest, accompanied by India’s president and prime minister. This event marked the debut of a 342-member band and marching group from the Indonesian National Armed Forces in any foreign parade.
The tradition of inviting international leaders to this grand event continues, with past guests including French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022 and former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015. In 2018, ten leaders from Southeast Asia also attended the celebration.
Sukarno, Indonesia’s inaugural president and a key figure in their independence movement, was the chief guest at the first Republic Day celebration in 1950.
Throughout the 90-minute event, thousands of performers donned vibrant costumes to showcase dances and intricate formations, along with motorbike stunts. The parade also featured displays of indigenous defense technology and military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft.
In a lively cultural segment, around 5,000 artists wielded traditional props, including drums and swords, to perform over 40 different dance styles from various regions of India. The festivities culminated in a spectacular air show that highlighted aircraft from the air force, including Rafale jets, as well as transport planes and helicopters.
The parade was broadcast live across multiple television networks. States and cities across India also held their own Republic Day parades, implementing extensive security measures for the events.
In the main city of the contested region of Kashmir, Srinagar, armed forces maintained a presence as local officials celebrated the day. Despite cold winter conditions, many citizens gathered to observe the parade, which was marked by heightened security efforts, including vehicle checks and pedestrian screenings.
India and Pakistan both govern portions of the Kashmir region, but both countries claim the territory in its entirety. An insurgency aiming to challenge Indian rule has persisted in the Indian-administered area since 1989.
