India celebrates Republic Day, Egyptian leader attends parade (2024)

News|Military

India marks its 74th Republic Day on a revamped ceremonial boulevard in the capital, with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as a guest of honour.

Published On 26 Jan 202326 Jan 2023

India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day on a revamped ceremonial boulevard in the capital, with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as a guest of honour.

Tens of thousands of people endured a winter chill and mist on Thursday as they gathered to watch a parade in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s defence capability and cultural heritage.

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The public holiday marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its constitution and becoming a sovereign republic in 1950, three years after it gained independence from British rule.

Several thousand people, braving the cold on a foggy morning in New Delhi, watched the parade from their seats around Kartavya Path – or path of duty – while millions more watched on television.

India celebrates Republic Day, Egyptian leader attends parade (1)

Accompanied by marching bands, troops from the country’s military, border and police forces paced in perfect synchronisation towards the dais where India’s President Droupadi Murmu took the salute.

Her Egyptian counterpart el-Sisi, in a blue suit and matching tie, looked on as he was flanked by Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a saffron-and-yellow-coloured turban.

The country’s rich and diverse heritage was showcased in vibrant tableaux from different states and ministries, highlighting the central theme of “nari shakti” or women power.

The army’s tableaux comprised only locally-made weapons, reflecting India’s drive to become more self-reliant in the defence sector.

In recent years, tableaus by states governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have mostly included Hindu supremacist symbols and narratives.

One such tableau by the northern Uttar Pradesh state – India’s most populous with 200 million residents – had a religious festival in the temple town of Ayodhya as its theme. It was in this town that a Mughal-era mosque was demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992, triggering deadly nationwide riots.

#RepublicDay | Haryana's tableau reflects design based on Bhagavad Gita. In its entirety, the tableau shows Lord Krishna serving as the charioteer of Arjun and giving him knowledge of Gita. The patterns on the sides of the trailer show various scenes from the battle of Mahabharat pic.twitter.com/5t3B5nJxuM

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2023

The event climaxed with a flypast by 45 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, with French-made Rafales, Russian-made Su-30s and the Indian-made Tejas fighter jets putting on an impressive aeronautical display.

But foggy weather spoilt the spectacle, as people struggled to catch a glimpse of the aircraft roaring overhead.

Earlier in the day, Modi, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the service chiefs, paid homage to martyred soldiers at the National War Memorial in the capital.

“The day is special this year because we are celebrating it during the Amrit Mahotsav of independence,” Modi tweeted in Hindi, referring to how his government has branded the 75th anniversary of India’s freedom.

First Egyptian leader to attend

El-Sisi, who is on a three-day visit to India, became the first Egyptian president to be invited for the Republic Day celebrations.

On Wednesday, the Egyptian leader congratulated the Indians and said it was a “great privilege” to be the guest of honour on “such a glorious national day”.

“The relations between Egypt and India have been characterised by balance and stability. We have only seen constructive development. We have been all along evolving very positively,” he said.

This year, India and Egypt, who are longtime trade partners, are seeking closer ties, mainly on security.

Indian media reports said Thursday’s parade also included a march by a 144-member contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

Reports also said the special forces of the two nations will later hold joint military exercises in the cities of Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur in the desert state of Rajasthan in western India.

Egypt is dependent on food imports from Russia and Ukraine which have become uncertain since the war started nearly a year ago.

Last year, Cairo ordered large imports of wheat from India to rein in its food prices.

Source

:

Al Jazeera and news agencies

India celebrates Republic Day, Egyptian leader attends parade (2024)

FAQs

Why does India have a Republic Day parade? ›

Indian leaders attached military parades to the Republic Day to commemorate the triumph of a new sovereign strong republic against the colonial power.

Who is leading Republic Day parade in India? ›

President Smt Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating the 75th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2024.

What is the main attraction of Republic Day parade in India? ›

The main attraction of the Republic Day is its parade which takes place at Kartavya Path (earlier known as Rajpath) in the national capital of India, New Delhi. The Republic Day parade is a spectacular display of the cultural diversity and military power of India.

Who is the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in India *? ›

Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.

How is Republic Day celebrated in India? ›

Republic Day is celebrated with a grand parade on the Rajpath in Delhi, which starts from the Rashtrapati Bhavan (residence of the Indian President) and ends at the India Gate. On a smaller scale, the day is celebrated with great fervour in schools, with march-past and several patriotic performances given by children.

What is India parade? ›

The parade showcases an exuberance of pageantry displays, each meticulously crafted in accordance with its respective theme, serving as a representation of the prosperous culture and historical legacy of India.

How many Republic Day 2024 are there in India? ›

The Embassy of India in Belgrade celebrated the 75th Republic Day of India on 26 January 2024 to commemorate the coming into force of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950. On the occasion, Ambassador of India H.E. Ms.

How many republic days are there in India? ›

Every year Republic Day is celebrated in India on 26th January with grandeur. Magnificent parades at Janpath, New Delhi, comprising the Indian National Army and national flag hoisting in various parts of the country are common practices followed on this day. In the year 2025, it will mark India's 76th Republic Day.

Which award is presented during the Republic Day parade in India? ›

The prestigious honours include the Padma Awards, Bharat Ratna, and gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra and many more. These gallantry awards are given to members of the armed forces for acts of valour and bravery. Indian Republic Day 2024: Is It 75th or 76th Republic Day this Year?

What is the difference between Independence Day and Republic Day parade? ›

Independence Day marks the end of colonial rule and honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters, while Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of a democratic republic. Both days feature distinctive ceremonies and customs that reflect the nation's rich history and values.

Which state won the best tableau in 2024? ›

Odisha's colourful tableau, which showcased women empowerment and the state's rich handicraft and handloom sector during the 75th Republic Day parade, has won the first prize among the tableaux presented by various states and Union Territories, officials announced on Tuesday.

Who takes the salute at the Republic Day parade? ›

Tradition and Continuity: Since the first Republic Day parade in 1950, it has been the President who takes the salute. This unbroken tradition reinforces the importance of the President's role and ensures a smooth transition of power during a change of governments.

When was the first Republic Day celebrated in India? ›

On January 26, 1950, the Republic of India was born. More than two years after Independence, and after nearly a century of nationalist struggle, India was finally a sovereign, democratic republic, free to chart its own course into the future.

Which is the best parade in Republic Day 2024? ›

Ministry of Culture's tableau on the theme 'Bharat: Mother of Democracy' secures first spot at Republic Day Parade 2024. The tableau was awarded as the Best Tableau (Ministries/Departments), Jury Choice. The Tableau marked a blend of India's tradition and innovation and represented 'Bharat's cultural heritage'.

What is the time of Republic Day parade in India? ›

The Republic Day parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 am on January 26, running from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path. There will be a seating facility of around 77,000 people at the venue, of which 42,000 are reserved for the general public.

Why is India called a republic? ›

A republic country is where the head of a particular state is an elected person and not someone from a hereditary monarch. India is known as a republic country because the people of India elect the head of the state government. It is also incorporated in the Constitution of India.

What is the importance of Republic Day 2024 in India? ›

This day, a source of immense national pride, serves as a reflection of India's democratic principles and rich cultural diversity. Beyond the joyous festivities, Republic Day holds educational importance, providing a platform to educate the younger generation about the constitution and the struggle for freedom.

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