The Republic Day Parade 2025 is set to be a grand celebration of India’s cultural diversity and military strength, with a special focus on the 75th anniversary of the enactment of the Indian Constitution and the theme of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation), according to the Ministry of Defence in a press release issued on Monday.
The Chief Guest for the parade will be Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia.
The parade will feature a 160-member marching contingent and a 190-member band from Indonesia, joining Indian Armed Forces contingents on Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on January 26.
Key highlights include:
75 Years of the Indian Constitution: Two tableaux will celebrate this milestone, with floral decorations and the release of balloons carrying the official logo marking 75 years of the Constitution. Quiz and essay competitions on this topic were organized on MyGov.
31 Tableaux: Various states, union territories, and central government departments will showcase their floats under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), celebrating cultural heritage and developmental progress. Themes such as the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will also be highlighted.
Special Guests: Around 10,000 individuals across 34 categories, including sarpanches, disaster relief workers, water warriors, artisans, SHG members, and more, have been invited to honor their contributions to the country.
Ease of Access: Free metro rides will be provided to invitees and ticket holders. A “Park and Ride” scheme will be implemented for parking at designated locations with ferry services to the event. The venue will be accessible and equipped with facilities for differently-abled individuals.
Jan Bhagidari: Citizens’ involvement will be encouraged, with Delhi-based couples from each state/UT invited in traditional attire to witness the parade. Online competitions such as tableau design, essay writing, and quizzes will ensure broader public participation.
Cultural and Musical Performances: The Republic Day Parade will start with 300 cultural artists playing “Sare Jahan Se Achha” on indigenous instruments. The Ministry of Culture will also present an 11-minute performance with 5,000 artists, covering 45 traditional dance forms across India.
Beating Retreat Ceremony: The event will conclude on January 29, 2025, with a Beating Retreat Ceremony, where only Indian tunes will be played by the participating bands.
Special Events:
Bharat Parv: A cultural festival at the Red Fort, from January 26-31, 2025, will display tableaux, military band performances, food courts with diverse cuisines, and a crafts bazaar.
Veer Gatha 4.0: This project, focusing on inspiring children through the stories of gallantry and sacrifice by the Armed Forces, has seen participation from 1.76 crore students. The winners will be honoured on January 25.
This year’s Republic Day celebration promises to blend tradition with a focus on inclusivity, reflecting the spirit of a vibrant and diverse India.
