Highlights and Main Attractions of Republic Day Parade 2024

On January 26, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in commemorating the 75th Republic Day at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the parade’s Chief Guest, and it will highlight India’s rich cultural variety, unity, and growth, as well as its military capability as a result of increased domestic capabilities and the rising Nari Shakti.

The 75th Republic Day ceremonies at Kartavya Path on Friday highlighted India’s vast cultural variety, military power, and ‘Nari Shakti’. The parade began at 10.30 a.m. with the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who served as the main guest.

Here are some of the highlights of the amazing celebrations themed ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka’: 

• Aavaahan: In a historic first, when the tricolour was raised and the national anthem was sung, a band of 112 female performers brilliantly played folk and tribal percussion instruments gathered from all parts of the country. The amazing performance symbolised women’s strength and power.
• French Contingent: The parade featured a 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band contingent from France, as well as two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French Space and Air Force, which roared through Delhi’s sky, leaving thousands of spectators in awe.
• All-Women Tri-Service Contingent: For the first time, an all-female tri-service force marched along the ceremonial walk, signifying the country’s increasing ‘Nari Shakti’. Captain Sandhya of the Military Police commanded the team, which included three supernumerary officers: Captain Sharanya Rao, Sub Lieutenant Anshu Yadav, and Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Rao.
• All-Women Armed Forces Medical Services: Another all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent, led by Major Srishti Khullar, marched down the majestic avenue alongside Captain Amba Samant of the Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana of the Indian Navy, and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya of the Indian Air Force, demonstrating the strength, discipline, and steadfast dedication of female officers.
• Vande Bharatam: The third edition of the cultural extravaganza Vande Bharatam had the topic ‘cultural expression of the power of women – accomplishment through resolve’. Around 1,500 female dancers under the title of “Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti” celebrated unity in diversity with 30 diverse folk dance forms, including Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Manipuri, modern classical dance, and Bollywood styles.
• ‘Nari Shakti’ in Paramilitary Contingents: Paramilitary forces such as the CRPF, BSF, CISF, and ITBP had all-female bands and marching contingents to emphasise ‘Nari Shakti’ and their contributions to nation-building.
• Power Couples March Along Kartavya Path: The gathering at Kartavya Path witnessed a rare occurrence as two Army couples from separate contingents marched in the parade. Major Jerry Blaize, who headed the Madras regiment, and Captain Supreetha C T, a member of the Corps of Military Police contingent, both expressed pride in their accomplishments.
• Women’s Daring Acts: On motorbikes, 265 CRPF, BSF, and SSB troops did risky acrobatics. They demonstrated courage, bravery, and resolve via a variety of formations, including Chandrayaan, Sarvatra Suraksha, Abhivadan, and Yog Se Siddhi.
• Ram Lalla Statue On Uttar Pradesh Tableau: This year’s procession included an artistic figure of Lord Ram in a young incarnation carrying a bow and arrow, whose new idol was just dedicated at a large temple in Ayodhya. In addition, it depicted the country’s first operating high-speed regional rapid transport system.
• Bal Puraskar Winners: Eighteen children who received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in the fields of bravery, art and culture, sports, science and technology, innovation, and social service were driven down the Kartavya Path in flower-adorned jeeps.
• Top Performers As Special Guests: Around 13,000 persons who made the best use of different government schemes such as Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Street Vendor’s Aatmanirbhar Nidhi, Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, and others were invited as special guests to the festivities.