India's Republic Day 2024 Parade to Showcase Military Strength, Women Empowerment

The nation is gearing up for its 75th Republic Day celebration on Friday, featuring a spectacular display of military prowess and rich cultural heritage at the Kartavya Path in the heart of the national capital.

The festivities, centered around the theme of highlighting the nation's women power and democratic values, will be graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in commemorating Republic Day with a 90-minute parade along the ceremonial boulevard, Kartavya Path.

The armed forces are set to showcase an impressive array of domestically developed weaponry and military equipment, including missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles.

Breaking tradition, an all-women tri-services contingent will participate in the event, and over 100 women artists will lead the parade by playing traditional Indian musical instruments like Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada instead of the usual military bands.

During the Indian Air Force's fly-past, 15 women pilots representing 'Nari Shakti' will captivate the audience. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will exclusively feature women personnel.

PM Modi will visit National War Memorial 

Scheduled to commence at 10:30 am and last for approximately 90 minutes, the Republic Day parade will kick off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay solemn tributes to fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Following this, President Murmu and President Macron will make a grand entrance in the 'traditional buggy,' a practice making a comeback after 40 years, according to the defense ministry.

The ceremony will proceed with the unfurling of the national flag and the national anthem, accompanied by a 21-gun salute using the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns.

As a highlight, four Mi-17 IV helicopters from the 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience at Kartavya Path. The celebration will continue with 'Aavaahan,' a band performance featuring over 100 women artists playing various percussion instruments.