Republic Day 2025: How nation is preparing for January 26 parade
Republic Day 2025: This time marching contingent of 160 members accompanied by a 190-member band contingent from Indonesia, will join parade on January 26 alongside India's military contingents.
With just days remaining until India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, preparations were in full swing nationwide on Friday to commemorate 75 years as a democratic republic. The grand Republic Day parade will be held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday, where the festivities will begin with the President unfurling the national flag.
In addition to main event, various celebrations will be held at district level, featuring participation of governors and chief ministers. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has been invited as the chief guest for this year's celebrations. A marching contingent of 160 members, accompanied by a 190-member band contingent from Indonesia, will join the parade on January 26 alongside India's military contingents. Furthermore, approximately 31 tableaux representing various states, union territories, and central ministries will participate in the parade, reflecting the theme 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.
Let's take a look at Republic Day parade preparations across cities/states:
Image: PTI, IANS
National school band competition dazzles Delhi
Students showcased their talent during the National School Band Competition held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Mubarak Mandi Palace lights up in tricolour
The recently restored Mubarak Mandi Palace lit up in the Indian tricolour ahead of Republic Day 2025 celebrations on Thursday.
Police march at Republic Day rehearsal
Police personnel participated in the full dress rehearsal for Republic Day celebrations at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal.
Indian Army tanks roll in Lucknow
Indian Army tanks were seen during the full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day Parade in front of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Bhavan.
Kolkata showcases Republic Day arsenal
A gun was displayed during the full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day Parade at the Red Road in Kolkata.
Robotic mules debut
Robotic mules operated by Indian Army personnel were showcased during the full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day Parade at the Red Road.
Sanjay BSS takes centre stage
The Sanjay Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi in attendance, at South Block in New Delhi.
Republic Day rehearsal in Lucknow
Artists performed during the full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day Parade in front of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Bhavan on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Punjab's artistic expression
An artist performed during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2025, in Amritsar.
Army’s precision display
Army personnel march past during the full dress rehearsal ahead of the Republic Day Parade 2024 celebrations, in Lucknow.