India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade featuring first-time highlights like a woman officer’s salute and debut of Pralay missile. 
India marked its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution with a grand parade at Kartavya Path and air shows. The event showcased a blend of military might and cultural diversity, drawing thousands of spectators and featuring several first-time highlights.
The parade included 16 tableaux from various states and Union Territories, as well as 15 from central ministries, departments, and organizations. These displays highlighted the unique cultures and achievements across the nation.
A significant first was the participation of Captain Dimple Singh Bhati, who became the first woman Army officer to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu. She achieved this feat while on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle, setting a world record. Her salute embodied the courage and precision of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, known as “The Dare Devils”.
The Republic Day parade also marked the debut of the indigenous short-range quasi-ballistic missile Pralay. This missile, intended for use by the Army and Air Force, represents a new capability for conventional strikes.
Another first was the display of a tri-services tableau, which demonstrated the joint operations of the armed forces. The tableau’s theme was “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat (strong and secure India)”, showcasing a synchronised operation on land, in water, and in the air, featuring the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and advanced light helicopter.
A marching contingent comprising 352 members also participated in the parade.
Indonesia’s participation in the parade was also a significant milestone, marking its first appearance in India’s Republic Day celebrations. It was also the first time an Indonesian military band and contingent performed in a parade outside of their own country.
Over 5,000 folk and tribal performers displayed 45 distinct dance styles from across India. The performances took place along the entire length of Kartavya Path, ensuring equitable viewing for all attendees. The Sangeet Natak Akademi curated the 11-minute spectacle, titled “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam,” which honoured the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda through showcasing the country’s diverse tribal and folk traditions.
The 76th Republic Day parade drew large crowds, with the Ministry of Defence issuing over 77,000 passes, including 32,000 sold and 10,000 for special invitees. The buzz for the parade on the Kartavya Path started early in the morning as queues started as early as 4 a.m. Additionally, the event took place under a thick layer of security.
The missile systems showcased at the parade this year, including the Pralay, capture the evolving long-range tactical strike options of the Indian military. This is particularly important for the Army, reflecting lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
The Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi also coincided with other events, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese officials, Coldplay’s final India concert where Chris Martin celebrated Republic Day, and also the announcement of various tariffs and visa restrictions on Colombia by the United States government.
Sources: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pralay-missile-to-indonesian-contingent-76th-republic-day-parade-marks-many-firsts/articleshow/117577170.cms
https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-digest-january-27-2025/article69144694.ece
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/buggy-first-tri-services-tableau-highlights-republic-day-9800614/