Republic Day 2025 Highlights: Cultural performance of 5,000 artists covers Kartavya Path for first time

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day celebration at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg here. Kambhampati took salute from the participating contingents at the 76th Republic Day parade in the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and other dignitaries. "Celebrate the spirit of our nation and the pride of our constitution," the Governor's office said in a post on X. A total of 43 contingents, including Odisha Police, BSF, OSAP and CRPF, participated in the parade. The Mahatma Gandhi Marg here also witnessed a vibrant display of patriotism, cultural heritage and progressive initiatives with 12 themed tableaus and cultural performances.

The country's 76th Republic Day was celebrated at the Southern Naval Command here with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the base highlighting the vital role played by Indian Armed Forces in maintaining the nation's security and stability. Vice Admiral V Sreenivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, exemplified the proactive role played by Indian Navy in safeguarding the maritime interests leading to a marked reduction in piracy and other illegal activities in the region in the last few months. He also recounted the country's amazing journey in the field of science, technology, medicine, space exploration and digital innovation that showcased its potential to the world, time and again, according to a Defence statement.

Sikkim Governor OP Mathur on Sunday said that Republic Day celebrates the triumph of democracy. He was addressing a gathering after unfurling the national flag at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. "It is a matter of immense pride that we celebrate the triumph of democracy, justice, and freedom," the governor said. He said it was also an occasion to remember the sacrifices made by countless individuals to shape India.

In a first, bands from three government schools, including two all-girl teams, performed during the 76th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, drawing applause from the audience. The school bands were among 16 teams competing in the Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition which took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on January 24-25. The Pipe Band Girls Team from PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Patamda in Jharkhand showcased an inspiring journey of determination and achievement. The 25-member team comprised girls from underprivileged families, many reliant on farming and daily labour. For most, this was their first train journey to Delhi. They received guidance from instructors of the Sikh Regiment and Punjab Regiment located at Ramgarh Army Regimental Centre. According to Ministry of Education (MoE) officials, the team has been practising the pipe band for the past three years. In the 2024-25 State-Level (Inter-District) School Band Competition held in Ranchi, the team claimed first place in the pipe band category, surpassing the previous year's champions and a strong Ranchi district team.

Village sarpanches, disaster relief workers, ASHA workers and Paralympic athletes were among around 10,000 special guests who attended the Republic Day parade here at Kartavya Path on Sunday. The invitation was sent to special guests from diverse fields in line with the government's objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' in events of national importance. These included people who made the best use of government schemes. Sarpanches whose villages achieved targets in selected government initiatives were invited. A national-level competition was announced by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances among panchayats. Sarpanches, under whom targets in at least six flagship schemes were achieved, were selected as special guests. Over 500 of them from top-performing villages were among the special guests. Around 300 disaster relief workers, 300 guests from vibrant villages, 400 water warriors, 200 representatives from Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies, 400 from 'Pani Samitis', 400 community resource persons like Krishi Sakhis, Udhyog Sakhis and 200 Self-Help Group members, were among those invited to witness the parade.

A daring group of soldiers performed breathtaking stunts on motorcycles, leaving viewers in awe, as part of the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path here on Sunday. Known as 'The Dare Devils', the Motorcycle Rider Display Team of the Army's Corps of Signals showcased their exceptional skills, indomitable courage and teamwork and attempted to set two world records in the process. Captain Dimple Singh Bhati, led the fighter formation and set a World Record by becoming the first woman officer of the Indian Army to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle. With remarkable balance and poise, Bhati presented a sharp and graceful salute to the President, embodying the courage, precision and excellence of the Corps. The daredevils displayed a Three Peak Devil Formation by Naik Jayakumar, Naik SP Mangu and Signalman Sanket making a world record for the longest assisted handstand on Kartavya Path.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto watched India's 76th Republic-Day celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path on Sunday, joining a select group of global leaders to have graced the nation's biggest ceremonial event in the last seven decades. Subianto's presence at the grand parade came 75 years after Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, attended India's first Republic-Day celebrations in 1950 as the chief guest. As the chief guest at the ceremony, Subianto witnessed a grand military parade and cultural performances along with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet and a host of other dignitaries at Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital.

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a grand display of its military might that included elite marching contingents, missiles and indigenous weapon systems, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the occasion as the chief guest. In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital. It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter. The theme of the tri-services tableau was "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (strong and secure India). The parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she and Subianto, flanked by the Indian president's bodyguards, arrived at Kartavya Path in a "traditional buggy".

The Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path concluded with the national anthem, as President Droupadi Murmu and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was the chief guest at the event, left in the traditional buggy. This year's parade showcased India's cultural diversity and military prowess. President Murmu was escorted by the President's Bodyguard, the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. The president left with the chief guest in the buggy.

Through symbolic representation of the revered Bodhi Tree and the legendary Nalanda university, Bihar's tableau at the Republic Day parade here on Sunday showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region known over the centuries as the 'land of Buddha' and ancient wisdom. The tableau from the eastern state made its presence in the 76th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path after a gap of eight years.

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a grand display of its military might that included elite marching contingents, missiles and various indigenous weapon systems, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the occasion as the chief guest. In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital. It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter.

India marked its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade down Kartavya Path, showcasing the nation's strength, self-reliance, and cultural heritage.The celebrations commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute at the National War Memorial, followed by a solemn 21 Gun Salute and the unfurling of the National Flag.Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is in attendance as the Chief Guest, reflecting India's historic ties with Indonesia.The Naval Contingent comprising 144 personnel, marched shoulder to shoulder on Kartavya Path, embodying the Indian Navy as a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force. The contingent was led by Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia as Contingent Commander, with Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani, and Lt Devender as Platoon Commanders.

With depictions of 'Samudra Manthan', 'Amrit Kalash' and holy men bathing on the banks of Sangam, the Republic Day tableau of Uttar Pradesh celebrated the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and showcased a metaphorical confluence of 'virasat' and 'vikas'. The tableau drew cheers from the crowd as it rolled down the Kartavya Path here during the ceremonial parade on Sunday. Billed as one of the biggest gatherings of humanity on earth, Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and will culminate on February 26. While 75 years of enactment of the Constitution is the focus of 76th Republic Day celebrations, the theme for the tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh showcases the grandeur of Maha Kumbh 2025, portraying a metaphorical 'Sangam' of 'virasat' and 'vikas'.

Eco-friendly toys-mounted Andhra Pradesh tableau earned accolades from the audience when it rolled down the Kartavya Path here on Sunday during the 76th Republic Day parade. Known as Etikoppaka Bommalu, the exquisite wooden toys are rooted in a 400-year-old tradition of craftsmanship. Originating in Etikoppaka village in Andhra Pradesh, the toys are renowned for their smooth contours and vibrant colours. A government brochure said that the toys often depict mythological figures, animals and shapes, and figurines found in ancient civilisations like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa. According to the government, the craft relies on the Ankudu tree whose soft wood is perfect for carving. "Artisans use natural dyes derived from plant-based sources and a traditional 'lacquer turning' technique involving lac resin. This eco-conscious process results in non-toxic, vividly coloured toys safe for children and admired by collectors worldwide," it said. "Recognised with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017, Etikoppaka toys are a hallmark of authenticity and cultural heritage. Their timeless designs include number toys, mythological figurative, Raja Rani, spinning tops, figurines, musical instruments, and household decorations, captivating audiences globally," the brochure said.

A tableau by the Ministry of Women and Child Development celebrated the multi-faceted journey of women and children nurtured through its flagship schemes at the Republic Day parade here on Sunday. The display was themed on "Motherhood, Life Cycle Continuum Approach, and Women-Led Development", stood out for its compelling message of empowerment and progress. At the tableau's forefront was the evocative image of a mother cradling her child, symbolising care, nourishment, and a child's first teacher. The mother's radiant expression and the innocent joy of the child reflected themes of health, vitality and dignity. The tableau prominently featured the logo of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative, a flagship campaign on upliftment of women and children as pillars of national development. A section of the tableau featured a dedicated anganwadi worker surrounded by playful children, highlighting the role of 'Saksham Anganwadis' in delivering education, nutrition and holistic care.

Haryana's tableau at the Republic Day parade on Sunday paid tribute to the Bhagwad Gita's message given during the mythical war between the Pandavas and Kauravas in Kurukshetra. The tableau also depicted the state's advances in technological innovation, women empowerment and the valour of its people. The front section of the tableau depicted the battlefield of Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna delivered his teachings to Arjuna. It emphasised Jyotisar, the site where the divine message was imparted. Jyotisar, now located in the city of Kurukshetra, is a pilgrimage site.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto watched India's 76th Republic-Day celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path on Sunday, joining a select group of global leaders to have graced the nation's biggest ceremonial event in the last seven decades. As the chief guest at the ceremony, Subianto witnessed the grand military parade and cultural performances along with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet, foreign diplomats and a host of other dignitaries. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic-Day celebrations in 1950. Subianto, a former defence minister, is the fourth Indonesian president to attend India's Republic-Day celebrations. A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia also participated in the Republic-Day parade. It was the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent participated in a national day parade abroad.

Flower petals were showered on the Kartavya Path from Mi-17 IV choppers of the Indian Air Force's 129 Helicopter Unit. The helicopters carried the National Ensign along with the respective service ensigns of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Flying in a 'dhwaj formation', the helicopters showered flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path for the Republic Day parade. Trooping the National Flag, the formation of helicopters was led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

President Droupadi Murmu and her Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto arrived at Kartavya Path for the 76th Republic Day parade on Sunday in a traditional buggy, a practice that made a comeback after a 40-year gap last year. They were escorted by the President's Bodyguard -- "Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak". The President's Bodyguard is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army. The gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy is a black carriage with the national emblem embossed on it in gold. The buggy, drawn by a mixed breed of Indian and Austrian horses, also features gold-plated rims. The presidential buggy had been used for Republic Day functions till 1984 but was discontinued after the assassination of the then-prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial here on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. The prime minister led the nation in paying solemn tributes by laying a wreath at the memorial, escorted by the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs. Modi was received at the National War Memorial by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Following the wreath-laying, the Guard Commander gave command for the 'Salami Shastra', followed by the 'Shok Shastra', after which the buglers sounded the 'Last Post'. The officers in uniform gave a salute while other dignitaries observed a two-minute silence to honour the fallen soldiers. The silence was broken by the buglers sounding the 'Rouse', signalling the end of the two minutes of remembrance. The Guard Commander then ordered the 'Salami Shastra', concluding the ceremony.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday congratulated the people of the state on the 76th Republic Day and appealed to everyone to resolve to follow duties listed in the Constitution. Chief Minister Adityanath, in a post on the X, said, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state on the 76th Republic Day!" He said, "This glorious festival is an opportunity to express gratitude to our great Constitution, democratic traditions and the immortal sons of the country." "Let us all resolve to follow the duties given by the Constitution. Jai Hind!" he said.

A bomb threat prompted a thorough search at the main Republic Day venue here in Jammu and Kashmir, hours before the start of the function, officials said on Sunday.
However, the threat received through e-mail late Saturday, proved to be a hoax, the officials said. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to unfurl the national flag and take salute at the march past at the M A Stadium, the venue for the main Republic Day function in the Union Territory.

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended good wishes to the people on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day on Sunday.
Fadnavis in a post on X said, "Greetings to everyone on Republic Day! Let’s celebrate the spirit of unity and democracy that makes our nation strong." The governor unfurled the national flag at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai and Fadnavis unfurled the tricolour at the CM's official residence 'Varsha' here to mark the occasion. The Republic Day parade will be held at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

On the eve of Republic Day, the central government on Saturday announced the list of recipients for the Padma Shri Awards 2025.The Padma awards, among the country's highest civilian honours, are conferred in three categories - Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.The awards are given in various disciplines, such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine and literature among others.The Padma Shri award is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan.The list of Padma Shri awardees includes Dr Neerja Bhatla, a Gynaecologist from Delhi with a specialised focus on cervical cancer detection, prevention and management.Bhim Singh Bhavesh, a social worker from Bihar's Bhojpur is also being awarded Padma Shri for tirelessly working for the upliftment of the Musahar community, one of society's most marginalized groups, for the past 22 years through his foundation Nayee Asha'.P Datchanamoorthy is also being awarded Padma Shri. He is an instrumentalist specializing in Thavil, a classical percussion instrument vital to South Indian music and culture, with more than 5 decades of experience.

Naren Gurung, a well-known Sikkimese folk artist, was conferred with the Padam Shri for his contributions to art. Renowned in Sikkim as the 'Nepali Geet ke Guru Gurung', the 70-year-old has dedicated over six decades to preserving and promoting Sikkimese Nepali folk music and dance traditions. The Padma Awards were announced on Saturday. The leading folk artist has also played a pioneering role in the revival of cultural traditions of indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha tribes through his performances at national and international festivals.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag here on Sunday on the 76th Republic Day and the celebrations were marked by a march past of the contingents of the Armed forces, state police units and vibrant cultural events that extolled the richness of Tamil language. Chief Minister MK Stalin gave away awards under various categories, including for communal harmony and gallantry, to recipients. Governor Ravi accepted the ceremonial salute of contingents of the armed forces and the state police units from the venue of the celebrations, near the Marina beachfront and close to the Tamil Nadu Secretariat.

Folk singer Sharda Sinha was posthumously named for the Padma Vibhushan, while former Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi was named for the Padma Bhushan. Sinha, popularly called 'Bihar Kokila', is known for her pioneering efforts in popularising folk songs in Bhojpuri, Maithili and Bajjika. She is a former recipient of Padma Shri as well as Padma Bhushan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Padma awardees of 2025, praising their contributions to society and highlighting their dedication, perseverance, and innovation in various fields."Congratulations to all the Padma awardees! India is proud to honour and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication and perseverance are truly motivating. Each awardee is synonymous with hard work, passion and innovation, which has positively impacted countless lives. They teach us the value of striving for excellence and serving society selflessly," PM Modi wrote in a X post.This year, India has conferred seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields. The list includes 23 women awardees, 10 individuals from the categories of Foreigners, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, along with 13 posthumous awards.

The Padma Awards 2025 were announced on Republic Day eve, Saturday.The award seeks to recognize 'work of distinction' and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service and Trade and Industry.The Padma Awards continue to celebrate the achievements of remarkable individuals across India, recognising their significant contributions to society and inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.The Padma Shri award is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan.The Padma Shri awardee list includes several names who have made a remarkable impact in their respective fields.

India's former hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and former all-rounder R Ashwin were among former and current players honoured with Padma awards on the eve of 76th Republic Day. Sreejesh has been awarded Padma Bhushan. Paris 2024 Paralympics gold medallist Harvinder Singh, former football captain Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and coach Satyapal Singh have been awarded Padma Shri. The Padma awards, among the country's highest civilian honours, are conferred in three categories - Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. The awards are given in various disciplines, such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, and literature, among others.

India as a sovereign democratic republic completed 75 years of its eventful journey on Sunday, with the stage set at the Kartavya Path here for the ceremonial parade during which the country will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage. Besides VVIP dignitaries, members of the Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans and forest and wildlife conservation workers are among the nearly 10,000 special guests who have been invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (January 26) extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. "Happy Republic Day. Today, we celebrate 75 glorious years of being a Republic. We bow to all the great women and men who made our Constitution and ensured that our journey is rooted in democracy, dignity and unity. May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the ideals of our Constitution and working towards a stronger and prosperous India," PM Modi posted on X.

Huge tri-colour-themed banners have been put up along the Kartavya Path while the theme for this year's tableaux that would roll down the boulevard where the annual Republic Day celebrations take place is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution.

Reflecting on the old ties between India and Indonesia, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, said that the principles of "pluralism, inclusiveness and the rule of law" are common to both countries and have given direction to their contemporary relations.President Murmu hosted a banquet in honour of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.She also emphasised that Indonesia is a key pillar of India's 'Act East' policy and Indo-Pacific Vision."I welcome President Subianto on his first State Visit to India. Values of pluralism, inclusiveness and the rule of law are common to both countries and these shared values have given direction to our contemporary relations," President Murmu said at the banquet.Reflecting on the "millennia-old civilisational links" between the two countries, she recalled that 75 years ago on India's first Republic Day in 1950, when then Indonesian President Sukarno was the Chief Guest."This is a historic occasion, as 75 years ago on our first Republic Day in 1950, we had the President Sukarno of Indonesia as the Chief Guest. This is a reflection of the long-standing ties and strong democratic tradition between our two countries," the President said.She added, "I recall the millennia-old civilisational links between India and Indonesia, including the 'Bali Jatra' observed in Odisha, which commemorates the journeys undertaken by Indian seafarers and traders in ancient times from India to Bali and other regions of the Indo-Pacific. Indonesia is a key pillar of India's 'Act East' policy and Indo-Pacific Vision."

In a heartfelt showcase of soft culture influencing bilateral ties between two countries, an Indonesian delegation sang the famous Bollywood song 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.The delegation hosted in honour of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Rashtrapati Bhavan included senior Indonesian ministers.The title track from the movie of the same name -- 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. The directorial debut of Karan Johar was a huge blockbuster both in India and overseas.The song, composed by Jatin Lalit and sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, was a major hit among the audience and still continues to captivate people.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace India's 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartvya Path today, in a great showcase of the two countries' long-standing ties, as India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950 was also graced by then Indonesian President Sukarno.President Prabowo, who is on his first state visit to India, will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India's Republic Day celebrations.A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will participate in the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital.This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.

Many a time, a government award like Padma Award nudge artistes to "wake up" to their own excellence, which they might have forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life, said violin maestro L Subramaniam, one of the seven Padma Vibhushan awardees announced on Saturday. "They now can pause and reflect, 'oh, we must have done something extraordinary to get this award'," said Subramaniam to PTI. Subramaniam said he received his first Padma award when Russia was still the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and R Venkataraman was the president.

Nine people from West Bengal were recognised with Padma Shri on Saturday. Among them were singer Arijit Singh, actor Mamata Shankar, drummer Gokul Chandra Das, educationist Nagendra Nath Roy, industrialists Pawan Goenka and Sajjan Bhajanka, Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj), sarod artiste Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, and social worker Vinayak Lohani.

The United States extended greetings to India on Republic Day, and said Washington joins New Delhi on the occasion to recognize its "enduring significance as the foundation of the world's largest democracy."US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a statement, said the India-US relationship continues to reach new heights and will be the "defining relationship of the 21st century.""On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate their nation's Republic Day. As they commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India, we join them in recognizing its enduring significance as the foundation of the world's largest democracy," Rubio said in his statement.

A snow leopard in a Ladakhi dress, a 'tiger' wearing a dhoti-kurta holding a traditional instrument and a few other animals and birds representing different regions of India and its diversity feature in a special doodle by internet giant Google to mark the 76th Republic Day. The colourful artwork, which borrows an element of surrealism, depicts the six letters of 'GOOGLE' artistically woven into the theme, giving the appearance of a 'wildlife parade'. India will showcase its military might and vibrant cultural heritage on the Kartavya Path here on Sunday as it completes 75 years as a Republic.

Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for Republic Day celebration informing commuters about the restrictions and diversion in place on several roads. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) DK Gupta told PTI Videos that the entry at the borders of the city will be restricted from Saturday evening. "We have made a detailed traffic plan according to which from 9 pm on Saturday (January 25), the entry at the bordering areas will be restricted and only essential vehicles will be allowed. This restriction will be in placed till the parade gets over," Gupta stated. Apart from this, there will be diversions on the roads leading to the parade route from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort. The traffic restriction will be in place on C-Hexagon after 9.15 pm on Saturday, he said. According to the advisory, the Republic Day parade will start at 10.30 am from Vijay Chowk and proceed to Red Fort. There will be a function at National War Memorial, India Gate at 9.30 am. The parade will follow Vijay Chowk, Kartavyapath, C-Hexagon, round about statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, and Red Fort, they said.

The national capital is on high alert on Republic Day as over 70 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 70,000 police personnel are deployed across the city, police said. A six-layered security protocol involving 15,000 security personnel will be deployed in New Delhi district alone. "Installation of more than 2,500 CCTV cameras equipped with data-based facial recognition and video analytics. Anti-drone systems covering a four kilometres radius to detect and deactivate aerial threats. Snipers on rooftops and sealing of over 200 buildings along the parade route, with residential windows facing the route also secured," a police officer said. Restrictions on traffic movement, especially in central Delhi, was clamped in the city from Saturday.

A total of 942 police, fire and civil defence personnel have been awarded different categories of gallantry and service medals on the eve of the Republic Day, according to a government statement issued on Saturday. These include 95 gallantry medals. The awardees include the personnel of police, fire, home guard and civil defence and those working in correctional services, the Union home ministry said. Among the gallantry award winners, 28 deployed in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 28 in the Jammu and Kashmir region, three in the northeast and 36 posted in other regions are being awarded for their gallant action, it said.