Republic Day: First parade on Kartavya Path showcases India's military might, cultural diversity | HIGHLIGHTS

With the National Anthem, the Republic Day parade concluded at the Kartavya Path. President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Guest Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi departed from Kartavya Path to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The grand finale of the 74th Republic Day parade comprised 45 IAF aircraft, one from Indian Navy and four helicopters from Indian Army. 

Corps of Signals Dare Devils team mesmerised the audience with their performance at Kartavya Path on Republic Day. Meanwhile, 33 Dare Devils made the 'Human Pyramid' on nine motorcycles.

The Uttar Pradesh tableau was inspired by the Ayodhya Deepotsav celebration. The tableau showcased the three-day Deepotsava being organised since 2017 in the state.

The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir with its theme 'Naya Jammu & Kashmir', showcased the pilgrim and recreational tourism potential of the union territory on Kartavya Path. Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir achieved a great boost during recent years and registered a record tourist footfall of 1.62 crore for the first time in the history of 75 years of independent India.

Kerala presented the tableau of 'Nari Shakti' and folk traditions of women empowerment. The tractor portrayed Karthyayani Amma, the winner of Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2020 who top scored the literacy examination at the age of 96.

The tableau of Jharkhand showcased the famous 'Baidyanath Temple' located in Deoghar. Meanwhile, Lord Birsa Munda was also depicted in the front of the tableau.

Karnataka's tableau symbolically unveiled the exceptional achievements of the state's 3 women achievers. Sulagitti Narasamma - a midwife, Tulsi Gowda Halakki - known as 'Vruksha Maate' & Saalumarada Thimmakka are noted names due to their selfless contribution to society.

Based on the theme 'Tourism and composite culture of Ladakh', its tableau displayed the essence of the UT's harmonious relationship with nature and the rest of the world.

Andhra Pradesh's tableau depicted 'Prabhala Theertham'- a festival of the peasantry during Makara Sankranti, at the Republic Day parade on Kartvya Path. 

The Veterans tableau which was displayed on the Kartavya Path, presented the theme of "Towards India's Amrit Kaal with Resolve -a Veterans Commitment", showing a mark of recognition of the endeavours by the Veterans in crafting the 75 Years of Independence. The tableau is also a mark of their initiatives underway in shaping India's destiny during the 'Amrit Kaal'.

The regal camels of the BSF enthralled the audience at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path.

Tableaux of the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force were showcased at the Republic Day parade. 

The brass band of the Indian Navy comprising of 80 musicians playing the Indian Navy song tune 'Jai Bharti' marched down Kartavya Path.

'Marching contingents' of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces march down the Kartavya Path. 

AKASH weapon system of 27 Air Defence Missile Regiment, 'the Amritsar Airfield' participated in the parade, depicting a glimpse of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' The regiment was led  by Captain Sunil Dasharathe and accompanied by Lt Chetana Sharma of 512 Light AD Missile Regiment. 

The detachment of Brahmos of the 861 Missile Regiment participated in the parade at Kartavya Path. The contingent was led by Lieutenant Prajjwal Kala. 

The combined band and marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces participated in the Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path. The contingent is being led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy.

President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at the Kartavya Marg. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi was also present as the chief guest on the occasion. Simultaneously, National Anthem and 21-gun salute were also presented. Among the many firsts, the ceremonial salute has been given with 105-mm Indian field guns. It has replaced the vintage 25-pounder guns, to showcase the growing 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. 

President Droupadi Murmu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi departed from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to attend the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The Egyptian President is the chief guest this year. 

PM Modi leads the nation in paying homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accompanied him.

On the occasion of India's 74th Republic Day, search engine giant Google commemorated it with an artsy doodle that displayed popular Indian landmarks like the Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, North Block and South Block, a contingent and motorcycle-borne 'Daredevils'. "Today's doodle artwork is crafted from intricately hand-cut paper. Many elements of the Republic Day parade are represented in the artwork, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan (where the president resides), the India Gate, the CRFP marching contingent, and motorcycle riders. Happy Republic Day, India!" Google Doodle stated. 

Traffic islands and roundabouts in Lutyens' Delhi have been decked up with artistic floral designs for the 74th Republic Day. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said 18 flower boards and as many flower fountains have been set up and the civic body's building has been illuminated with the tricolour for the occasion.

The US Embassy shared a video on Twitter, celebrating with a rendition of India's national song 'Vande Mataram.' "US Officers Raghavan (flute) & Stephanie (guitar) team up with Pavithra Chari, singer featured on the 2023 Grammy's nominated album," it wrote on Twitter. 

On the occasion of Republic Day, the national flag was unfurled at the Attari border in Punjab. The nation is celebrating its 74th Independence Day today. 

Bihar Governor Fagu Chauhan unfurled the national flag in Patna today. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greeting to the nation, saying the occasion holds much more significance because the country is celebrating it during the 'Amrit Mahotsava' of Independence. “We wish to move forward unitedly to make the dreams of the great freedom fighters of the country come true,” he tweeted in Hindi. 

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi unfurled the tricolour in Chennai. Chief Minister MK Stalin was also present on the occasion. Later, Governor Ravi also took the customary salute of the 74th Republic Day parade in the state's capital. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his best wishes, saying "this day is a moment to honour the rich culture and impressive achievements of modern India."  "It's a chance for all those of Indian heritage to unite around their shared love of India & shared faith in its future...I wish all those celebrating a happy #RepublicDay (sic)," Albanese tweeted. 

The security in the national capital has been heightened ahead of the celebration. Around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed and a total of 24 set up in New Delhi for those who will attend the celebrations. This year, extra pickets have been deployed on bordering areas to ensure mischievous elements do not gain entry into the national capital, the officials said. 

The Indian Army will be showcasing only 'Made in India' weapon systems at this year’s Republic Day parade. During the parade, all the equipment including ammunition will showcase India's indigenisation power including 21 Gun Salute through 'Made in India' 105 mm Indian Field Guns and recently inducted LCH Prachand. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Manoj Pande also extended his wishes to the armed forces personnel and the citizens of the country. 

Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled the national flag on the occasion of the Republic Day in Hyderabad. She also felicitated Golden Globes award-winning and Oscars nominated 'Naatu Naatu' song's composer & lyricist MM Keeravani and Chandrabose at the function.  

On the occasion of Republic Day, many roads have been closed in Delhi, while many routes have been diverted. Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory regarding the same. Apart from this, special arrangements have also been made by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on this occasion. According to the advisory,  from 6 pm on Wednesday, January 25, till the parade is over on January 26, no traffic will be allowed on the Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. There will be no cross-traffic on Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road and Daktipath from 10 pm on Wednesday till the parade ends on January 26.

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This year, the Republic Day celebrations will also be held at Central Vista Avenue. Meanwhile, several indigenous equipments will be showcased in the tableau of the army to give a push to the 'Make In India' initiative. 

Twenty-six personnel of Delhi Police have been conferred Police Medals for Gallantry, President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Republic Day. "A total of 26 officers and men of Delhi Police have been conferred Police Medals for their services, that is, seven Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG), two President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 17 Police Medal for Meritorious Service, on the occasion of 2023 Republic Day," officials said. 

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army hoisted the national flag amid the massive snowfall at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The Republic Day parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

As per tradition, the President will unfurl the national flag followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. Amongst the many firsts, the 21-gun salute will be given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns. It replaces the vintage 25-pounder gun, reflecting upon the growing 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path.