India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a grand display of its cultural diversity and military might. Showcasing India’s Cultural Diversity Over 5000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 dance forms and tableaux from 16 states, union territories, and central government departments that participated in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto graced the event as the chief guest this year. Ahead of the Republic Day parade, President Murmu hoisted the National Flag at Kartavya Path and PM Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial.
Over 5000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 dance forms reflecting countries rich tradition and diverse culture representing different parts of the country during the 76th Republic Day, with the performers spanning the entire Kartavya Path, for the first time, to ensure that all guests get the same watching experience.
The 11-minute cultural performance titled Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam was performed by Sangeet Natak Academy. The dance performances brought alive the rich and vibrant legacy of tribal and folk forms of the country as a tribute to the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The dance performances celebrated the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘Virasat bhi Vikas bhi’, and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The lyrics for ‘Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam’ presentation were written by Subhash Sehgal and the music was composed by Shankar Mahadevan.
The 5,000 folk and tribal artists brought their dance forms to life with their original costumes, jewellery, headgear, and traditional props like spears, swords and drums.
To further elevate the visual experience of the performances, a team of experts from the National School of Drama created more than 60 props, including instrument decoration, floral elements, muppets, Ambala Kavadi, Poo Kavadi, etc. bringing alive the core aesthetic vibes.
Eco-friendly toys-mounted Andhra Pradesh tableau got praise from the viewers at the Republic Day parade. Known as Etikoppaka Bommalu, the exquisite wooden toys are rooted in a 400-year-old tradition of craftsmanship.
The Eartha and Sciences tableaux commemorated the India Meteorological Department’s 150 years. The IMD is working to introduce critical interventions that will, in the coming decades, take it from merely being a weather forecaster to a weather manager.
The Central Public Works Department’s flower tableau also observed the 75th anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution. The Ashoka Chakra, depicting the “wheel of time”, stood at the front of the tableau while the Constitution of India at the back of the Chakra.
With the portrayal of ‘Samudra Manthan’, ‘Amrit Kalash’ and holy men bathing on the banks of Sangam, the tableau of Uttar Pradesh celebrated the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. One of the biggest gatherings on the earth, Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and will end on February 26.
The Madhya Pradesh tableau commemorated the homecoming of Kuno cheetahs. For the past year, the 24 cheetahs at Kuno – 12 adults and 12 cubs – have resided inside enclosures.
The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee, followed by Camel Mounted Band of the BSF and NCC Contingent took part in the parade on Kartavya Path.
The celebrations concluded with a fly past by 40 aircraft and helicopters of the IAF. The fleet included 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters. Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 and An-32 aircraft were among the fleet. and the helicopters were Apache and Mi-17.
