On Sunday, India demonstrated its military strength, cultural variety, and creative genius during the 76th Republic Day procession at Kartavya Path. The 90-minute event featured an amazing show of fighter jets, transport aircraft, attack helicopters, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, missile systems, and military contingents, including the BSF camel contingent. Adding to the grandeur, 5,300 performers offered stunning musical and cultural performances.
President Droupadi Murmu and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, this year’s principal guests, came in a four-wheeled carriage carried by six horses and were greeted with a ceremonial 21-gun salute from indigenous 105mm light field cannons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to dead soldiers at the National War Memorial before the march began.
The procession, commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, had 18 marching contingents, 15 bands, and 31 tableaux representing states, union territories, and ministries. Highlights included a 160-person Indonesian military detachment, the indigenous Pralay missile, and the Sanjay integrated battlefield surveillance system. Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar led the mounted column of the 61 Cavalry, which included a father-son duo.
The 77,000-strong audience was delighted by the flypast, which featured 40 aircraft including Rafales, Sukhoi-30s, and Apache helicopters. The event’s bright tableaus represented India’s unity in diversity, cultural legacy, and military power.
