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President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday, formally inaugurating the event by unfurling the national flag. The moment symbolised India’s democratic values and constitutional legacy.
The ceremony began with the National Anthem, followed by a powerful 21-gun salute fired from indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns, adding solemnity and pride to the occasion. The display underscored the armed forces’ ceremonial precision and technological capability.
President Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path alongside European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are the Chief Guests for this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the dignitaries at the saluting base, highlighting the significance of India’s engagement with global partners.
Maintaining established tradition, the President’s Bodyguard, ‘Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak’, the Indian Army’s seniormost regiment, escorted the President and the Chief Guests to Kartavya Path.
Reviving a ceremonial custom that had remained dormant for four decades, the leaders travelled in a traditional buggy, lending a sense of royal grandeur to the celebrations. Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also greeted Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on the occasion.
A Showcase of Strength and Diversity
This year’s Republic Day Parade brings together history, military power and cultural expression, marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. The parade features state-of-the-art defence platforms, including the BrahMos and Akash missile systems, alongside 30 vibrant tableaux representing India’s cultural and regional diversity.
Holding special importance, the parade stands as the first since Operation Sindoor last year and presents a heightened demonstration of military readiness.
A spectacular flypast by 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH and Mi-17 helicopters, will captivate spectators.
Adding to the significance, participants of Prime Minister Modi’s radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, construction workers from Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis and nearly 10,000 special guests from various sectors will witness the parade.
The Defence Ministry stated that these invitees include achievers in employment generation, innovation, research, start-ups, self-help groups and flagship government initiatives. A cultural performance by 2,500 artists will further celebrate ‘Vande Mataram’ and the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
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