Today, India celebrates its 77th Republic Day with a parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing a blend of its military might, cultural diversity, and the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram". The theme for this year's Republic Day is "150 Years of Vande Mataram", honoring the national song's legacy and India's heritage.
Key Highlights of the Republic Day Parade:
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A Tribute to 'Vande Mataram': The celebrations commemorate 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed "Vande Mataram" in 1875. The song, first appearing in his 1882 novel Anandamath, became a rallying cry during the Swadeshi movement and India's struggle for independence. President Droupadi Murmu described it as a "lyrical national prayer" that instills patriotism.
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Tableaux Display: The parade features 30 vibrant tableaux, with 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various ministries, highlighting the country's rich regional heritage. These tableaux depict diverse aspects of India, from Assam's tea gardens to Rajasthan's forts, and from the valleys of Kashmir to Kerala's Kathakali. The Ministry of Culture will present a tableau specifically on the theme of '150 Years of Vande Mataram'.
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Cultural Performances: Approximately 2,500 cultural artists will perform at Kartavya Path, with the theme "Swatantrata ka Mantra – Vande Mataram" (The mantra of freedom is Vande Mataram) and "Samriddhi ka Mantra – Atmanirbhar Bharat" (The mantra of prosperity is self-reliant India).
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Military Prowess: The parade showcases India's defense capabilities and indigenous technological advancements. The Tri-services tableau will depict 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness', representing the unity and integration of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in safeguarding national sovereignty.
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Honoring Bravery: The Republic Day Parade honors those who have sacrificed their lives for the country and bestows bravery awards upon military personnel and citizens. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is presented to children for exceptional achievements in various categories.
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'Bharat Parv': The Ministry of Tourism will organize 'Bharat Parv' at the Red Fort from January 26-31, showcasing Republic Day Tableaux, regional cuisine, handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural performances.
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Guest of Honor: The Chief Guest for this year's Republic Day Parade are Mr. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
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Historical Significance: Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, marking the day India truly became a Republic.
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Mobile App and Portal: To facilitate access to information about the celebrations, a mobile app and Rashtraparv Portal have been developed for booking tickets and providing information on seating and parking arrangements.
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Commemorative Activities: The Ministry of Defence, in partnership with MyGov, has invited citizens to participate in online contests and activities to deepen appreciation for India's heritage.
The celebration also highlights the continued relevance of "Vande Mataram," linking it to the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). The government signals that modern technological self-reliance is a result of the freedom struggle. In 1905, "Vande Mataram" was the anthem of the Swadeshi Movement, the original "Self-Reliant India" movement. The Ministry of Culture's tableau will showcase the original manuscript of Vande Mataram and its journey since 1875.
The Republic Day celebrations began at 9:30 AM, following the flag unfurling by the President of India. For those unable to attend in person, the parade is broadcast live on Doordarshan and its YouTube channel.
