India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day today, January 26, 2024, with a spectacular parade down Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This year's parade is special for several reasons.
President's buggy makes a comeback
After a 40-year hiatus, President Droupadi Murmu will arrive at the parade grounds in a horse-drawn buggy, a tradition that dates back to British India.
French President is chief guest
Emmanuel Macron is the first French president to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade, marking a special moment in India-France relations.
Theme of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat
Loktantra ki Matruka': This year's theme celebrates India's progress and its role as the mother of democracy.
Women take center stage
For the first time, the parade will feature a majority of women marching contingents, highlighting the important role women play in Indian society.
AI and Chandrayaan-3 take center stage
The parade will also highlight India's advancements in technology and space exploration, with a tableau featuring the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission.
Over 77,000 people in attendance
The parade will be witnessed by a large crowd, including 42,000 members of the general public.