Republic Day 2025 Live Updates: Cultural diversity and military prowess were on display at the Kartavya Path in Delhi during the parade to celebrate India's 76th Republic Day. Apart from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is the chief guest, 10,000 special guests were in attendance. They include the best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the government.
The parade started at 10.30 am and continued for about 90 minutes. The ceremony commenced with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.
Tableaux from 16 state government and Union Territories and 10 ministries and departments of the Central Government highlighting 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', will participate in the parade this year. The 'Fly-past' will witness a breath-taking air show by 40 aircraft/helicopters - 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters of the Air Force, including Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 & An-32 aircraft and Apache & Mi-17 helicopters.
Beating Retreat To Bring Republic Day Celebrations To Close
'Beating Retreat Ceremony', which is held every year on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, will bring the Republic Day celebrations to a close. It marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat.
Eyes To The Sky As 40 Aircraft Stage Fly Past
One of the most eagerly-awaited events of the parade, the 'Fly-past' saw 40 aircraft and helicopters - 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters - of the Indian Air Force. These included Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 and An-32 aircraft and Apache and Mi-17 helicopters. They displayed a variety of formations, including Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul and Vijay. The concluding Vertical Charlie maneuver was performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft flying at a speed of 900 kilometres per hour.
#RepublicDay🇮🇳: Indian Air Force's Rafale displays 'Vijay' formation, during the 76th #RepublicDay Parade on Kartavya Path, in Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/my5WzfmpkI
#RepublicDay🇮🇳: Three Su-30 aircraft make Trishul formation, during the 76th #RepublicDay Parade on Kartavya Path, in Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/T09JqD722d
VIDEO | Republic Day Parade: Satluj formation comprising of two Dornier aircraft, one AM32 Transport aircraft fly past Kartavya Path.#RepublicDay #RepublicDayParade #RepublicDayWithPTI pic.twitter.com/M9lu6N4Y4g
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
A 'Dare Devil' Display
The Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, famously known as 'The Dare Devils', carried out breath-taking stunts during the motorcycle display. The team showcases their bravery and determination through a number of formations, including Bullet Salute, Tank Top, Double Jimmy, Devils Down, Ladder Salute, Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, Mercury Peak, Info Warriors, Lotus and Human Pyramid.
76th Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Soldiers Celebrate Republic Day At Icy Heights
Indian Army personnel celebrate the 76th Republic Day in the landscapes of Leh, showcasing unmatched patriotism and dedication#RepublicDay2025 #76thRepublicDay #RepublicDay2025 pic.twitter.com/kEDqtioEUK
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2025
Republic Day 2025: 5,000 Artists To Perform 45 Dance Forms
5,000 artists are performing over 45 dance forms from different parts of the country in a 11-minute cultural performance titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam’.
For the first time, the performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path - from Vijay Chowk to C hexagon - to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.
Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Snapshot Of State Tableaux At Kartavya Path
Celebrating the vibrant spirit of #Goa! 🌊✨
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2025
The tableau, themed ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ celebrates the state’s pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich culture#RepublicDay2025 #76thRepublicDay #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/OTaIJ9Iudw
#RepublicDay🇮🇳: Uttarakhand tableau's showcased during the 76th #RepublicDay Parade on Kartavya Path, in Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
The tableau is themed "Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports", showcasing the state’s rich culture, natural beauty, and adventure tourism.
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/P6LZmogPoz
VIDEO | Republic Day Parade 2025: Tableau of Haryana displays cultural heritage at Kartavya Path. #RepublicDayWithPTI #RepublicDay2025
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/NUkobOTbaN
VIDEO | Republic Day Parade 2025: Tableau of Gujarat with the theme ‘Anartpur to Ekta Nagar: Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ displayed at Kartavya Path.#RepublicDayWithPTI #RepublicDay2025
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/fj5S4cF97V
Republic Day Parade LIVE: Ratan Tata Features In Jharkhand Tableau
Late industrialist Ratan Tata was at the centre of the tableau of Jharkhand state. Tata's township in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur was India's first planned city laid out according to the founder JN Tata's idea of a town with 'wide streets planted with shady trees'.
Why National Flag Is 'Hoisted' On Independence Day And 'Unfurled' On Republic Day
Republic Day in India is celebrated with grand parades, vibrant state tableaus and cultural exhibits. But, did you know that the Indian flag is unfurled on this day and not hoisted? Although "flag hoisting" and "flag unfurling" are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct methods of presenting the national flag.
Let's look at the important distinctions in how the flag is presented on Republic Day and Independence Day in India. Read here
Republic Day Parade LIVE: Blast Of Colours As BSF's Camel-Mounted Contingent Marches
The Camel contingent of Border Security Force was led under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.
Queen Elizabeth To Vladimir Putin, Prominent Chief Guests Over The Years
Prominent chief guests over the years:
2024: Emmanuel Macron, President of France
2023: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt.
2020: Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil
2019: Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
In 1950, Ex-Indonesia President Attended 1st Republic Day Parade. Was Held At...
The maiden celebrations marking the birth of the Republic of India were not held on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), the historical avenue that has over time become synonymous with the ceremony. It was held in the 1930s-era Irwin Amphitheatre after the country got its first president.
Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. And 75 years later, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at this year's ceremonial parade which will also see the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from that country.
Republic Day 2025 LIVE: India's Military Prowess On Display At Kartavya Path
VIDEO | Republic Day 2025: Indian Air Force helicopters fly over Kartavya Path carrying the Indian and Indonesian national flags. #RepublicDayWithPTI #RepublicDay2025
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/TNUBq958Uu
76th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 Parade: Infantry Column on Kartavya Path showcasing India’s advanced military capabilities, beginning with the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 'CHETAK' and Specialist Mobility Vehicle, 'KAPIDHWAJ' designed for maneuvering in tough terrains, especially in… pic.twitter.com/LRQZuAgbF5
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
VIDEO | Republic Day 2025: Indian army displays cutting-edge military prowess with 125 mm smoothbore, 7.62mm machine gun and 12.7 anti-aircraft guns and tanks. #RepublicDayWithPTI #RepublicDay2025
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/phqp3Tz9Et
Explained: Why India Celebrates Republic Day On January 26
India became an independent nation on August 15, 1947. While the day marked the end of nearly 200 years of British rule in the country, it wasn't until January 26, 1950, that India got its democratic soul, the Constitution.
After gaining independence, a Drafting Committee was constituted on August 29, 1947. It was tasked with preparing the Constitution of India. Dr BR Ambedkar served as the chairman of this committee, which also had on board K.M. Munshi, Gopala Swami Ayyangar, Muhammed Saadulah, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, N Madhava Rao (who replaced BL Mitter), and TT Krishnamachari (who replaced DP Khaitan).
Republic Day 2025 Parade LIVE: Indonesian Contingents Participate In Parade
The Marching Contingent of Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Band of Indonesia's Military Academy took part in the parade. The marching contingent will consist of 152 members, with 190 members in the military band.
Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Param Vir, Ashok Chakra Winners Honoured
Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) & Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), and Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd) escorted down Kartavya Path.
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
Watch | President Unfurls Tricolour
#RepublicDay | President Murmu unfurls The Tiranga pic.twitter.com/cTRgQlUyyb
— NDTV (@ndtv) January 26, 2025
Republic Day Parade LIVE: 'Traditional Buggy' To Escort Presidents To Kartavya Path
President Droupadi Murmu and her Indonesian counterpart were escorted by the President's Bodyguard, the senior most regiment of the Indian Army. They will arrive at Kartavya Path in the 'traditional buggy', the practice which made a comeback in 2024 after a gap of 40 years.
#WATCH | 76th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 | President Droupadi Murmu and President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto leave for the Kartavya Path, in a special presidential carriage.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
President Subianto is attending the function as the chief guest this year.
(Source: President of India/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/VTzyoDUo3t
What To Expect At Today's Republic Day Parade?
- The ceremonial parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artistes playing 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' on musical instruments representing different parts of the country, according to the Defence Ministry.
- The flypast will feature 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard.
- In this year's parade, 5,000 artistes will perform over 45 dance forms from different part of the country in a 11-minute cultural performance titled 'Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam'.
- The performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path -- from Vijay Chowk to C-Hexagon -- to ensure all guests get the same viewing experience.
- Capt Ashish Rana will lead a contingent of daredevils from the Corps of Signals with Capt Dimple Singh Bhati, the second-in-line.
Many Firsts At The Republic Day Parade This Year
The parade will see many other firsts as well, such as the tri-services tableau that will depict the spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces.
The tableau would display a battlefield scenario demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter, according to the Defence Ministry.
The theme of the tri-services tableau will be 'Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat' (Strong and Secure India).
Besides, the DRDO will present a tableau with the theme 'Raksha Kavach -- multi-layer protection against multi-domain threats', officials said.
The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents, officials said. The column will be represented by the 61 Cavalry.
Tableaux That Will Be Seen At Republic Day Parade
While 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.
Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations will roll down the ceremonial boulevard during the annual parade when India displays its military prowess and its journey as a republic.
The country is set to showcase some of cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, with the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay' set to register their presence in the ceremonial parade for the first time.
T-90 'Bhishma' tanks Sarath (infantry carrying vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system 'Agnibaan' and 'Bajrang' (light specialist vehicle) will also be part of the parade, according to officials.
With the tableaux theme being 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', during the parade, India will also display a symbolic confluence of 'virasat' and 'vikas' on Kartavya Path to mark the 76th Republic Day as the nation commemorates the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution. This January 26 will thus carry an extra significance.
Who Will Be Present At The Republic Day Parade?
VVIP dignitaries, members of the Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans and forest and wildlife conservation workers are among the nearly 10,000 special guests who have been invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade.
President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the momentous occasion and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest. A marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia will be participating in the parade.
76th Republic Day LIVE: PM Modi Lays Wreath At National War Memorial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a floral wreath at the National War Memorial. He was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and chief of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
VIDEO | Republic Day 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy reaches National War Memorial, Delhi.#RepublicDayWithPTI #RepublicDay2025
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/QQEldfB6JB
"Our Journey Rooted In Dignity, Unity": PM Modi
Happy Republic Day.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2025
Today, we celebrate 75 glorious years of being a Republic. We bow to all the great women and men who made our Constitution and ensured that our journey is rooted in democracy, dignity and unity. May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the…
What Is The Republic Day Parade Route?
The parade will start from Vijay Chowk and proceed towards the Red Fort. There will be a related function at the National War Memorial, India Gate.
The parade will pass through Vijay Chowk, Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, Subhas Chandra Bose roundabout, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhas Marg and Red Fort.
No traffic movement has been allowed on Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate till the parade is over. No cross-traffic will be allowed on Kartavya Path at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road till the end of the parade.
C-Hexagon-India Gate will be closed for traffic from 9.15 am on Sunday till the parade crosses Tilak Marg.
Metro service will remain available for commuters at all stations throughout.
Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Delhi On High Alert
The national capital is on high alert with over 70 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 70,000 police personnel are deployed across the city. A six-layered security protocol involving 15,000 security personnel will be deployed in New Delhi district alone.
"Installation of more than 2,500 CCTV cameras equipped with data-based facial recognition and video analytics. Anti-drone systems covering a four kilometres radius to detect and deactivate aerial threats. Snipers on rooftops and sealing of over 200 buildings along the parade route, with residential windows facing the route also secured," a police officer said.
Commandoes, quick reaction teams, PCR vans, anti-sabotage checks and SWAT teams are deployed at strategic locations along Kartavya Path and all around the city, he said.
Flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms such as paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), microlight aircraft, remotely-piloted aircraft, hot-air balloons, small size-powered aircraft, quadcopters or parajumping from aircraft are prohibited over Delhi till February 1.
Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Indonesia President Attended 1st Republic Day Celebrations In 1950
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace India's 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartvya Path, 75 years after India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950 were graced by then Indonesian President Sukarno.
President Prabowo, who is on his first state visit to India, will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India's Republic Day celebrations.
A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will participate in the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.
