Nation celebrates 74th Republic Day today; Grand Parade on Kartavya Path in Delhi

AIR Pics The Nation is celebrating its 74th Republic Day today. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest at the parade. During the Republic Day parade, the country's military prowess, cultural diversity, self-reliance initiatives, women empowerment and emergence of a ‘New India’ will be showcased.

The Republic Day parade will begin at 10:30 AM from Vijay Chowk and head towards Lal Quila.

The parade ceremony will commence with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial.

He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the brave hearts by laying a wreath. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

The National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. This time, a 21-gun salute will be given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns replacing the vintage 25-pounder gun which reflects 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. The parade will start with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth.

For the first time, an Egyptian Military contingent will take part in the Republic Day parade. 

The contingent, having 144 soldiers will be led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy. Eight marching contingents including six from the Indian Army, one from Indian Air Force and one from Indian Navy will take part in the Republic Day parade. Indigenously developed equipment like Arjun Tank, Nag Missile System, K9 Vajra-Howitzer Gun, and Akash Weapon System will be showcased during the parade.

45 aircraft including nine Rafale fighter aircraft will participate in the fly-past over the Kartavya Path. Several vintages as well as modern aircraft and helicopters like Su-30, Su-30 MkI Jaguar, C-130, C-17, Dornier, LCH Prachand, Apache, and Sarang will roar in the skies above Kartavya Path, displaying different formations.

The concluding Vertical Charlie manoeuvre will be performed by Rafale fighter aircraft. The marching contingent of the Indian Air Force will consist of four Officers and 144 air warriors.

The contingent will be led by women officer Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. The Naval contingent of 144 young sailors will also be led by women officer Lieutenant Commander Disha Amrith.

For the first time ever, the marching contingent consists of three women and six Agniveers. Marching contingents of the Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, NCC, and NSS will also take part in the parade. For the first time, female camel riders of BSF will participate in the parade showcasing women's empowerment.

Twenty-three tableaux from 17 States and Union Territories and six from various Ministries and Departments will participate in the Republic Day Parade.

These tableaux will showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage, socio-economic development, Nari Shakti, military might and economic progress. Cultural performances by 479 artists selected through the nationwide Vande Bharatam dance competition will add colour to the parade.

The theme of the cultural extravaganza will be ‘Nari Shakti’ presented by 326 female dancers.

Another highlight of the show will be a thrilling motorcycle display by the Corps of Signals’ Dare Devils team.

They will enthral the audience with an array of formations, which will also include a Yoga display.