advertisement
Republic Day 2024 News Live Updates: India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day on Friday, 26 January 2024, with the themes ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka'.
The Republic Day Parade at New Delhi's Kartavya Path was 'women-centric', featuring over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. It also featured an all-women tri-service contingent for the first time.
Moreover, a total of 25 tableaux were showcased at this year's Parade.
Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January, to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution, which originally came into effect on 26 January 1950.
Last year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the chief guest.
Out of the 25 tableaux, 16 are from states and union territories while nine tableaux are from various ministries and departments.
PM Modi paid tributes to the martyred soldiers before the event.
Modi and Macron toured Rajasthan's Jaipur on 25 January
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
From Queen Elizabeth to Barack Obama, here’s every chief guest who has witnessed India’s Republic Day celebrations, from 1950 to 2024.
Click here to check out the photo gallery.
On the eve of India's 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu hailed the consecration ceremony of the "glorious" Ram Temple in UP's Ayodhya as "historic".
"When this event will be seen in the wider perspective, the future historians will consider it a landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage," President Murmu said in her annual address to the nation on Thursday, 25 January.
Check out President's full address here.
The event is scheduled to begin with President Droupadi Murmu unfurling the national flag, followed by a 21-gun salute.
It will be followed by the arrival and welcome of all the dignitaries.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am.
A 95-member marching contingent and 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade.
Moreover, along with the aircraft of Indian Air Force, one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft of the French Air Force will participate in the Fly-past.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Republic Day.
"Best wishes on special occasion of the 75th Republic Day. Jai Hind!" he posted on X.
Around 13,000 special guests have also been invited to witness the parade this year. Moreover, the seating capacity at Kartavya Path is 77,000, of which 42,000 is reserved for the general public.
"Constitution is the holy book of every Indian. Happy Republic Day to all people," Telangana CM Revanth Reddy posted on X.
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurls the national flag in Chennai. Chief Minister MK Stalin also present at the event.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese extends greetings to India on 75th Republic Day,
Warm wishes to the people of India as you celebrate Republic Day. On our shared national days, we have an opportunity to celebrate the depth of our friendship. Australia and India have never been closer," he posted on X.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma unfurls the national flag at his residence.
"...I extend my greetings to all citizens. During Viksit Bharat Sankalp, Prime Minister had said that it is that every citizen has some duty, and I would like to remind them of their duties because the contribution of every citizen is essential in nation-building. So, we should do our duty towards building the nation," he said, as quoted by ANI.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unfurled the national flag at his residence in Delhi.
Earlier, he posted on X, "Best wishes to everyone on 75th Republic Day. Let us reaffirm our commitment towards making India a strong and developed country, on this historic occasion. Jai Hind!"
French President and chief guest for the 75th Republic Day, Emmanuel Macron posted a photo with PM Narendra Modi, extending wishes to Indian citizens on Republic Day.
"My dear friend Narendra Modi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let’s celebrate!" he posted on X.
PM Modi arrived at the National War Memorial on Friday, 26 January, to pay tributes to martyred Indian soldiers.
President Droupadi Murmu and chief guest Emmanuel Macron have left Rashtrapati Bhavan for Kartavya Path to attend the Republic Day parade. The celebrations will begin after President Murmu unfurls the tricolour.
President Murmu unfurled the national flag in the presence of chief guest Macron and PM Modi. It was followed by the national anthem.
Republic Day parade begun after the President unfurled the tricolour at Kartavya Path. The parade was heralded by 100 female artists playing Indian musical instruments which will followed by contingents of armed forces and tableaux of 16 states/UTs and nine ministries/organisations.
112 female artists lead the parade, playing traditional percussion instruments such as dhol, tasha, dhak and chenda etc.
The French Foreign Legion music band consisting of 30 musicians and the French marching contingent from the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion marches on Karvatya Path.
Weapon Locating Radar System, SWATHI, showcased under the command of Lieutenant Deepti Rana from the Regiment of Artillery at the Kartavya Path.
Mechanised Columns of the Army take part in the parade.
The detachment of Tank T-90 Bhishma, led by Lt Fayaz Singh Dhillon of 42 Armoured Regiment, at the Kartavya Path.
Mechanised columns of Madras Regiment, the oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army marches down the Kartavya Path.
Their Motto is 'Swadharne Nidhanam Shreyaha' - It is a glory to die doing one's duty.
Rajputana Rifles marching contingent being led by Lieutenant Sanyam Chaudhary of 20th Battalion.
The Regiment has the rare distinction of winning 10 Arjuna Awards. Subedar Neeraj Chopra and Subedar Deepak Punia have brought laurels in the Olympics and Asian Games for the nation.
The all-women Tri-Services contingent comprising Agniveers and regular recruits.
This is the first time an all Tri-Services women soldiers contingent is marching on Kartavya Path.
An all-women contingent of the Armed Forces Medical Services, led by Major Srishti Khullar with Capt Amba Samant from Army Dental Corps, Surg Lt Kanchana from Indian Navy, Flt Lt Dhivya Priya from Indian Air Force.
Indian Navy tableau highlights the themes of 'Nari Shakti and 'Atmanirbharta', also shows the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and Navy ships Delhi, Kolkata and Shivalik and Kalavari Class Submarine.
Indian Air Force marching contingent, followed by its tableau, led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur with Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, Squadron Leader Pratiti Ahluwalia and Flight Lieutenant Kirit Rohil.
Border Security Force's Camel Contingent led by Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.
Defence Research & Development Organisation's tableau displays Nari Shakti and indigenous critical systems and technologies.
The tableau is based on the theme ‘Women power in protecting the nation by providing the defence shield in all 5 dimensions namely Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, and Space’
The tableau of Arunachal Pradesh on Kartavya Path depicts the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in the state.
Haryana's tableau taking part in the parade.
The theme of this year's tableau is 'Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan' - a program of the Government of Haryana. This tableau has been designed as a traditional symbol of empowerment of Haryanvi women.
Manipur's tableau showcases its 'Nari Shakti' with 'Ima Keithel', the 500-year-old market, one and only in the world run entirely by women.
ISRO's tableau showcases Chandrayaan3 as the centre of attraction along with Gaganyaan and AdityaL1.
Rajasthan's tableau displays the festive culture of Rajasthan as well as the development of the cherished women handicraft industries.
Uttar Pradesh's tableau is based on Ayodhya: Viksit Bharat-Samradh Virasat'.
The front of the tableau symbolises the PranPratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla followed by the traces of infrastructural development.
Following the display of various tableaux and cultural performances, Republic Day ceremony concludes at Delhi's Kartavya Path.
After the conclusion of the Republic Day ceremony, PM Modi Prime Minister greeted the crowd that gathered to witness the parade.
Sharing a clip of the French contingent at Kartavya Path, French President Emmanuel Macron said, "A great honor for France. Thank you, India."