The nation is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today with grand ceremonies at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the celebrations, while the Republic Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM and will last approximately 90 minutes.
This year’s parade will showcase a vibrant blend of India’s rich cultural diversity and formidable military strength. The themes for the celebrations are ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The event will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.
President Murmu will arrive at Kartavya Path and receive a ceremonial salute during the march past, featuring contingents from the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS. The Chief Guests for this year’s Republic Day celebrations are President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
A total of 30 tableaux from States, Union Territories, and Central Government Ministries and Departments will roll down Kartavya Path. These tableaux will reflect the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram and highlight India’s rapid progress driven by self-reliance across various sectors. The Tri-services tableau, themed ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’, will depict the unified strength and coordination of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Seven marching contingents of the Indian Army, including the animal contingent, will participate in the parade, along with 18 Army marching contingents and 13 military bands. For the first time, the Army will also present a Battle Array Format display.
The celebrations will conclude with an aerial flypast by 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, C-295, MiG-29, and Apache helicopters. Around 2,500 artists will present cultural performances to honour contributions to nation-building. Additionally, 10,000 special guests from 53 categories—recognised for exemplary work in areas such as employment generation, technology, innovation, start-ups, and Self-Help Groups—have been invited to witness the historic event.
