Indus Valley Times

NEW DELHI,JAN 26 : India is marking a historic milestone with its 75th Republic Day celebrations today, January 26, 2024. The nation’s capital is hosting a grand parade at Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s military prowess and cultural diversity, with a special emphasis on Nari Shakti or women’s empowerment.

French President Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest, has arrived and joined Indian President Droupadi Murmu in leading the festivities.

Here’s all you need to know about India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations:

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will participate in the parade. Fifteen women pilots will be part of the Indian Air Force’s fly-past. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel.

The parade will be heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands.

India’s armed forces will exhibit indigenous military hardware, including missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles.

The ceremony will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial. President Murmu, accompanied by President Macron, will then take the salute at the parade, which is set to begin at 10:30 am.

A combined band and marching contingent of the French Armed Forces will join the parade, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between India and France.

Sixteen tableaux from various states and Union territories, along with nine from central ministries and departments, will roll down Kartavya Path, depicting India’s rich cultural tapestry. These tableaux will also highlight the theme of “women empowerment”.

Over 70,000 security personnel have been deployed throughout New Delhi to ensure the safety of the event. Traffic advisories and restrictions are in place to facilitate smooth vehicular movement during the celebrations.

An estimated 77,000 spectators are expected to witness the parade at Kartavya Path, with stringent security protocols, including commando deployments and anti-sabotage checks, ensuring their safety.

President Murmu and her French counterpart Macron will arrive at Kartavya Path in the ‘traditional buggy’, a practice that is making a comeback after a gap of 40 years

No traffic movement has been allowed on Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate from 6 pm on Thursday. The restrictions will continue till the parade is over.

-PTI