India celebrates Republic Day with ‘Golden India’ themed Parade

Republic Day celebrations. / X/@narendramodi

The 76th Republic Day celebrations in India were marked by a grand display of military strength and cultural diversity at the Kartavya Path in the national capital on Jan.26. 

The parade, themed ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development), featured a mix of marching contingents, indigenous weapon systems, and vibrant tableaux, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto serving as the chief guest.

President Droupadi Murmu  arriving in a traditional horse-drawn buggy alongside President Subianto, took the salute of the matching troops from the podium Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and senior military officials joined diplomats and citizens in witnessing the spectacle. 

President Prabowo Subianto’s presence at the celebrations marked a historic moment, coming 75 years after Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, attended India's inaugural Republic Day in 1950.

This year for the first time, a marching and band contingent from Indonesia participated in the parade, reflecting deepening defence cooperation between the two nations. The visit further strengthened India-Indonesia diplomatic ties.

A total of 31 tableaux, including 16 from various states and union territories and 10 from central ministries and departments, showcased the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’. Notable displays included Uttar Pradesh’s depiction of the Mahakumbh and Madhya Pradesh’s representation of the return of Cheetahs to Indian forests. States like Goa, West Bengal, Delhi, and Haryana also brought their cultural and developmental narratives to life through colorful and intricate floats.

 

A total of 31 tableaux were showcased, including 16 from various states and union territories and 10 from central ministries and departments. / President of India

In a first, a tri-services tableau graced the parade, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of India’s armed forces. The tableau, themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India), depicted a coordinated battlefield scenario featuring the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. 

Showcasing indigenous defence technology, the tableau included the Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and the advanced light helicopter, underscoring India's commitment to self-reliance in defence production.

The parade commenced with the 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active horsed cavalry regiment, led by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar. Mechanized columns followed, showcasing advanced military hardware such as the T-90 Bhishma tanks, NAG missile systems, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Other notable weapon systems included the Pinaka rocket system, Agnibaan multi-barrel rocket launcher, and the Akash air defence system. Marching contingents, including the Brigade of the Guards and the Garhwal Rifles, displayed ceremonial precision and discipline.

 

Marching contingents, including the Brigade of the Guards and the Garhwal Rifles, displayed ceremonial precision and discipline. / Press Information Bureau, Government of India

The Indian Navy contingent, led by Lieutenant Commander Sahil Ahluwalia, featured a tableau themed “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), showcasing newly commissioned indigenous warships such as INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer. The display emphasized the Navy’s focus on enhancing India’s maritime security through domestic defence production.

The Indian Air Force contingent, led by Squadron Leader Mahender Singh Garati, captivated the audience with an aerial display featuring MiG-29 fighter jets in the “Baaz formation.” The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) presented its tableau, focusing on “Raksha Kavach” (Multi-Layer Protection). Among the highlights was the debut of the Pralay missile system and a cutting-edge drone detect-deter-destroy system, reinforcing India's advancements in defence technology.

Republic Day Parade. / Press Information Bureau, Government of India

Domestically, the event featured a 148-member all-women contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), alongside units from Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force’s (BSF) Camel contingent, and the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

A special veterans’ tableau themed “Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar” (Always Advancing Towards a Developed India) also paid homage to ex-servicemen, highlighting their contributions to the nation. Several veterans who brought laurels to India in sports and other fields were honored during the event, underscoring their resilience beyond the battlefield.