India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, marking the historic day when the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950. The grand festivities, held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, among other locations across the nation, showcased the nation’s rich cultural diversity, military strength, and democratic values.

With President Droupadi Murmu leading the ceremony at Kartavya Path and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest, the event highlighted India’s commitment to unity, equality, and development. The day was filled with patriotic fervour, with a spectacular parade, cultural performances, and tributes to India’s heroes.

Jammu & Kashmir Bomb Hoax

A bomb threat at the Maulana Azad Memorial Stadium in Jammu, the venue for the Republic Day parade, was declared a hoax after thorough overnight searches by bomb disposal squads found nothing incriminating. The threat, received via email late Saturday, prompted heightened security measures, including the deployment of senior police officials and special teams to identify the culprits. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha is set to unfurl the national flag, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the chief guest, marking the first Republic Day celebrations in the union territory under an elected government since recent elections.

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the 76th Republic Day by paying homage to India’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he laid a wreath in a solemn ceremony, with the Inter-Services Guards observing traditional military honours. Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also present. Earlier, PM Modi extended Republic Day greetings, emphasizing the ideals of democracy, unity, and prosperity. This year’s celebrations highlight 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment, focusing on inclusivity with special guests and showcasing India's cultural and military strength.

Prez Murmu Unfurls Tricolour at Kartavya Path

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, by unfurling the national flag, accompanied by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, this year’s chief guest. Reviving a tradition after 40 years, both arrived in a ‘traditional buggy’, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard. The event emphasized “Jan Bhagidari” (public participation) and celebrated 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment, showcasing India’s cultural and military strength. Highlights included a 21-gun salute with indigenous guns, a cultural display of “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” gallantry awardees leading the parade, and the participation of Indonesia’s military contingent, symbolizing international camaraderie.

Melody of Instruments

The Republic Day parade was heralded by 300 cultural artists playing “Saare Jahan Se Achha” with musical instruments from different parts of the country. This indigenous mix of instruments resonated with the melody, beat and hopes of a billion Indians’ hearts. The ensemble of instruments included shehnai, sundari, nadaswaram, been, mashak been, ransingha, flute, karadi majalu, mohuri, sankha, tutari, dhol, gong, nishan, chang, tasha, sambal, chenda, idakka, lezim, thavil, gudum baza, talam and monbah.

India Showcases Military Prowess

Kartavya Path in New Delhi came alive with a grand display of India’s military might and rich cultural heritage on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. The parade featured a powerful lineup of India’s defense arsenal, including tanks, missiles, rocket launchers, warplanes, and advanced surveillance systems. Among the highlights were the T-90 Tank (Bhishma), NAG Missile System, BrahMos, Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, and the Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher. The spectacle also included the participation of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, with a contingent of 152 members and a 190-member military band.

Indonesian Contingent Impresses

One of the highlights of the parade was the impressive march past by a contingent of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Band of Indonesia’s Military Academy also took part in the parade. The Indonesian marching contingent consisted of 152 members, and 190 members in the military band.

PM Modi Greets People on Kartavya Path

Prime Minister Narendra Modi upheld his Republic Day tradition by walking down the Kartavya Path after the 76th Republic Day parade, greeting an enthusiastic crowd chanting patriotic slogans. The event, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu and attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as Chief Guest, celebrated 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment. Highlights included a 21-gun salute, cultural performances, gallantry award winners leading the parade, and participation from Indonesia’s armed forces. The festivities showcased India’s unity, diversity, and military prowess, with PM Modi engaging directly with attendees, reflecting “Jan Bhagidari” (public participation).

BSF Hoists National Flag at Attari-Wagah Border

On the 76th Republic Day, the Border Security Force (BSF) conducted a national flag hoisting ceremony at the Attari-Wagah Border in Amritsar, Punjab. BSF Commandant Harsh Nandan Joshi extended greetings, shared sweets with soldiers, and emphasized the importance of national security, pledging that India’s borders remain secure. The ceremony reflected unity, patriotism, and the BSF’s dedication to safeguarding the nation.

TN Guv Unfurls Tricolour at Marina Beach

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi unfurled the national flag at Marina Beach during the state’s Republic Day celebrations, which featured a parade, cultural performances, and a showcase of military equipment. The event, attended by Chief Minister MK Stalin and other dignitaries, highlighted Tamil heritage under the theme “Tamizhe Vazhga, Thaye Vazhga” (Long Live Tamil, Long Live Mother Tamil). Earlier, Governor Ravi laid a wreath at the War Memorial and later reviewed a parade with contingents from the armed forces and police. However, his Republic Day address raised concerns about socio-economic challenges, drug syndicates, caste-based violence, declining investment, and national security, sparking tensions, including the state government’s boycott of his tea party.

JP Nadda Hoists National Flag at BJP HQ

On the 76th Republic Day, BJP National President JP Nadda hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters in New Delhi, joined by other party leaders. After the Tricolour was unfurled and the national anthem played, Nadda distributed sweets and extended greetings to the nation, paying tribute to constitution-makers, freedom fighters, and soldiers. He urged citizens to support Prime Minister Modi's vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).