India Celebrates 76th Republic Day, 31 State Tableaux Take Part In Parade

The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath and paid tributes to the nation's heroes.

President Droupadi Murmu along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, chief guest at the Republic Day parade, arrived at Kartavya Path in the ?Traditional Buggy'.

President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the National Flag. The National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system followed the flag hoisting.

The parade was heralded by 300 cultural artists playing ?Sare Jahan Se Achha' with musical instruments from different parts of the country. The ensemble of instruments includes Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, and Flute.

The Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) and Marching Contingent, comprising 152 personnel from all branches of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) on Karvatya Path on 76th Republic Day.

Flower petals showered on the Kartavya Path from Mi-17 IV choppers of the Indian Air Force's 129 Helicopter Unit. Flying in a 'dhwaj formation', the helicopters showered flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path for the Republic Day parade. The formation of helicopters was led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

5,000 artists performed over 45 dance forms from different parts of the country in an 11-minute cultural performance titled ?Jayati Jaya Mama? Bharatam'. For the first time, the performance covered the entire Kartavya Path - from Vijay Chowk to C hexagon - to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.

31 Tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path on the theme ?Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'. Madhya Pradesh's tableau highlighted the return of cheetahs.

Late industrialist Ratan Tata was at the centre of the tableau of Jharkhand state.

With depictions of 'Samudra Manthan', 'Amrit Kalash' and holy men bathing on the banks of Sangam, the Republic Day tableau of Uttar Pradesh celebrated the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and showcased a metaphorical confluence of 'virasat' and 'vikas'.

Andhra Pradesh's tableau focused on "Etikoppaka wooden toys", a 400-year-old craft tradition celebrated for its eco-friendly, seamless, vibrant and toxin-free nature.

The Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, famously known as 'The Dare Devils', carried out breath-taking stunts during the motorcycle display. The team showcases their bravery and determination through a number of formations, including Bullet Salute, Tank Top, Double Jimmy, Devils Down, Ladder Salute, Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, Mercury Peak, Info Warriors, Lotus and Human Pyramid.

The Indian Air Force presents a fly-past during the 76th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, comprising a total of 40 aircraft, including 22 fighter aircraft, 11 transport aircraft and 7 helicopters.