New Delhi, January 26, 2024 – In a remarkable and historic first, the Republic Day parade in India was inaugurated by a group of talented women artists proficient in playing traditional Indian musical instruments.
The event began with a captivating performance featuring the melodious tunes of Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada, all skillfully played by these accomplished female musicians. This groundbreaking move was just one of the many highlights of this year’s parade, which showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage, military strength, and the spirit of Nari Shakti (women power).
The Kartavya Path witnessed the impressive march of an all-women Tri-Service contingent, symbolizing the growing role and significance of women in the Indian Armed Forces.
The parade truly encapsulated the essence of Nari Shakti, underscoring India’s military prowess and its vibrant cultural legacy.
The parade featured elaborately designed tableaux representing different States and Ministries, emphasizing the nation’s cultural diversity, unity, and progress. The tableau from Uttar Pradesh, themed ‘Ayodhya: Viksit Bharat-Samradh Virasat,’ showcased the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, depicting his childhood form. It also highlighted the first-ever operational high-speed regional rapid transit system (RRTS) connecting Delhi to Meerut.
Adding an international touch to the spectacle, the Kartavya Path witnessed a march past by a combined Band and Marching contingent from the French Armed Forces. The parade also featured an array of military hardware, including the Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG Missile System, Infantry Combat Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle, Pinaka, Weapon Locating Radar System ‘Swathi,’ Sarvatra Mobile Bridging System, Drone Jammer System, and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, among others.
Tableaux representing 16 States, Union Territories, and nine Ministries rolled down the Kartavya Path, demonstrating India’s cultural diversity and creativity.
The Republic Day celebrations were led by President Droupadi Murmu at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, appreciating India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, and progress, as well as its military strength and the rising influence of Nari Shakti.
The ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath. Subsequently, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries assembled at the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
This year’s parade revolved around the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India – The Symbol of Democracy). It featured approximately 13 thousand Special Guests, promoting inclusivity and Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in the national festival.
The President of India and her French counterpart arrived at Kartavya Path in the traditional buggy, a tradition that was revived after a 40-year hiatus. The national flag was unfurled, followed by the national anthem, accompanied by a booming 21-gun salute. Four Mi-17 IV helicopters showered flower petals on the audience.
One of the standout moments was the ‘Aavaahan,’ featuring over 100 women artists playing various percussion instruments, symbolizing the strength of women in society. The parade formally commenced with the President taking the salute.
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s tableau showcased Chandrayaan 3, drawing attention to India’s achievements in space exploration.
The grand finale of the parade was the Fly Past, featuring a breathtaking air show with 54 aircraft and helicopters. Notable formations included Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas,’ Sukhoi-30, MiG-29, Jaguar, Tejas, Netra, Vajraang, Trishul, Amrit, Prachand, and Arjan. The spectacle concluded with the Vertical Charlie maneuver performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft, followed by the national anthem and the release of tricolour balloons, marking the end of the Republic Day celebrations.