Republic Day Parade 2025

GS Paper I Art and Culture

The 76th Republic Day Parade was held in New Delhi, blending military prowess and the rich cultural diversity of India.

Key Highlights of the Event

Republic Day Parade

Guests and Dignitaries: Attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other dignitaries.
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest.
Defence and Military Showcasing: Featured key missile systems, Introduction of Battlefield Surveillance System , Sanjay and First Tri-Services Tableau.
Foreign Contingent : Continuing the tradition started in 2016 with French Army Contingent, Indonesian contingents participated this year.
- It marked the first-time inclusion of a 352-member marching and band contingent (largest foreign contingent ) from Indonesia.
President’s Arrival in a Traditional Buggy: President Murmu and the Indonesian President were escorted by the President’s Bodyguard in a gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy.
- This traditional mode of transport, discontinued in 1984, was reintroduced in 2024.

Aspect	Republic Day (January 26)	Independence Day (August 15)
Flag Position	The flag is folded/rolled up and attached to the top of the pole.	The flag starts at the bottom of the pole.
Action	The President unfurls the flag without raising it further.	The Prime Minister hoists the flag by pulling it up to the top.
Symbolism	Represents reaffirmation of the Constitution and Republic principles.	Symbolises the birth of a free nation and independence from colonial rule.
Event Lead	President of India (Head of State).	Prime Minister of India (Head of Government).
Occasion	Marks the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.	Celebrates India’s freedom from British rule in 1947.
Ceremonial Details	Military parades and cultural presentations follow the unfurling.	Ceremonial raising of the flag with the national anthem and patriotism.

Ministry Responsible: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) oversees the selection process.
Application Process:
- Participants (States/UTs/Central Ministries) submit a concept note and design blueprint by a given deadline.
- Proposals are assessed by an MoD-appointed committee of experts in art, culture, and design.
- The committee has the final authority.
Selection Stages:
- Stage 1: Evaluation of proposals and sketches; modifications suggested or rejected.
- Stage 2: Assessment of 3D models; changes recommended before final approval.
Selection Criteria: Visual appeal, relevance to theme, public impact, detailing, music, and inclusion of local artists.
Themes: The MoD provides an overarching theme annually, like “Viksit Bharat.”

The theme for this year’s tableaux is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”.Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments, and organisations were part of the Parade.
First Tri-Services Tableaux: Theme: Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat (Strong and Secure India).
- Showcased a synchronized battlefield scenario across land, water, and air.
Notable State Tableaux:
- Uttar Pradesh: Depicted the ongoing Kumbh Mela with sadhus and a portrayal of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean).
- Madhya Pradesh: Highlighted the revival of cheetahs in the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Andhra Pradesh: Focused on Etikoppaka Bommalu, eco-friendly wooden toys unique to the region.

System	Developed By	Capabilities	Range	Significance
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile	DRDO (India) & NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Russia)	Supersonic speed (Mach 2.8–3), precision targeting, can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines.	Up to 500 km (upgraded versions extend further)	Precision strike against high-value targets, versatile deployment platforms.
Upgraded Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch System	DRDO & Indian private firms	High volume area saturation, fires 12 rockets in 44 seconds, advanced guidance (Mk-II and Guided Pinaka variants).	Up to 90 km	Enhanced tactical firepower, complements conventional artillery.
BM-21 Grad MRLS	Indigenized version of Soviet system	Fires 40 rockets in less than 20 seconds, massed fire for area suppression or destruction.	20–40 km	Effective for high-volume fire support, upgraded versions improve mobility and range.
Pralay Quasi-Ballistic Missile System	DRDO	Quasi-ballistic trajectory, maneuverability to evade defenses, payload capacity of 350–700 kg.	150–400 km	Tactical strike capability, useful for conventional deterrence along contested borders.

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