India’s 76th Republic Day Parade (2024)

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The event showcased India’s rich cultural diversity, military strength, and international ties.

Key-highlights of the Parade

• President Droupadi Murmu’s Traditional Arrival: For the first time since 1984, President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Republic Day parade in a traditional black horse-drawn buggy.
  • ?        The buggy, gold-plated and with the national emblem, was previously used until 1984 but was discontinued after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Cultural Tableaux Representing India’s Diversity
  • UP Tableau – Kumbh Mela and Samudra Manthan: Uttar Pradesh’s tableau featured depictions of the ongoing Kumbh Mela and the legendary ‘Samudra Manthan’ (churning of the ocean) from Hindu mythology.
  • Madhya Pradesh Tableau – Cheetah Revival: Madhya Pradesh showcased its cheetah revival project, with cheetahs from the state’s Kuno wildlife sanctuary being highlighted.
  • Andhra Pradesh Tableau – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys: Andhra Pradesh’s tableau focused on ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu,’ traditional eco-friendly wooden toys that represent the state’s cultural heritage.
• First Tri-Services Tableau: Theme - ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’: The first-ever Tri-services tableau highlighted India’s military integration with the theme of a "strong and secure India."
  • Key Features: The tableau displayed the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, featuring elements like the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, INS Visakhapatnamdestroyer, and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
  • Joint Operations Room: The tableau symbolized a coordinated operation between the three services, showcasing India’s defense capabilities in land, air, and water.
• First Indonesian Contingent at the Republic Day Parade
  • Indonesian Participation: This year marked the first time Indonesia participated with a military contingent. A 352-member marching contingent and band from Indonesia took part in the parade, marking a historic moment.
  • Foreign Contingents Tradition: The tradition of inviting foreign contingents to the Republic Day parade started in 2016, and this year’s Indonesian contingent followed this custom. Previously, foreign contingents from countries like France had also participated.
• First Woman Officer’s Salute: Captain Dimple Singh Bhati became the first woman Army officer to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu during the Republic Day parade.
• • She achieved this feat while standing on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle, setting a world record.
  • Bhati's salute symbolized the courage, precision, and excellence of the Indian Army, particularly the Corps of Signals, also known as "The Dare Devils."