Citizens gather at Kartavya Path as historic 75th Republic Day of India observed around the country

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On the momentous occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day, tens of thousands of citizens gathered at Kartavya Path on Jan. 26, 2024, morning to witness the iconic Parade, in spite of the cold and challenging weather conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation early, tweeting on X, saying, “Best wishes on the special occasion of the 75th Republic Day. Jai Hind!”

The day also commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution, considered among the best in the world.

A total of 25 tableaux, including 16 from various States and Union territories and 9 from central government departments, were featured in the march down Kartavya Path. This year’s parade witnessed the participation of around 13,000 special guests, an initiative aimed at providing an opportunity for people from all walks of life to take part in the celebrations and encourage ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (public involvement) at the event.

Women’s empowerment, strong defense forces, and the diversity of the nation, were on display, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s salute to those who died in the service of the country at the National War Memorial, where a two-minute silence was observed.

Viksit Bharat’s rich cultural diversity, the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ military prowess and the growing Nari Shakti are the dominant themes of the 90-minute parade where the Chief Guest was French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron accompanied India’s President Droupadi Murmu in a chariot, to the Parade, where he was greeted and introduced to dignitaries before taking his seat next to Prime Minister Modi. A French military contingent also participated in the parade.

“I am here to watch the parade. I am very excited to see it. I asked my father so he got the passes,” said Zoya as she waited for the Parade to start. “This is the first time I have come to see the parade, till now we just watched it on television,” said Asifa.

Several monuments across the country were lit up in saffron, white, and green lights to mark the historic day.

Anji Khad bridge of Jammu-Kashmir, the first cable-stayed bridge of Indian Railways connecting the Katra and Reasi sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail-Link (USBRL) was illuminated in tricolour. The Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi was illuminated with vibrant tricoloured lights marking the 75th Republic day.

State Houses around the country were lit up with the tricolor to observe the day, including at religious sites. A ‘Shivalinga’ at Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh and Baba Mahakaleshwar Shivling in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, were decorated in the colours of the tricolour on the occasion.

Women’s contingents, their role in the Air Force, Navy, the space program, and in police forces, dominated the Parade. The Indian Air Force, the Army, and the Navy  showed off their prowess across various domains, and helicopters and planes flew overhead.

The color and pageantry of dancers from various parts of India, as well as children and those receiving recognition with awards for bravery and other deeds and achievements were also featured.