Republic Day 2023 live updates | India celebrates 74th R-Day with vibrant parade on Kartavya Path

The ceremonial boulevard of the national capital, the newly-christened Kartavya Path that has witnessed the country free itself from the clutches of colonial rule played host to the 74th Republic Day on January 26, 2023.

President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating Republic Day, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was the chief guest at the ceremonial event. This is the first time an Egyptian head of state has been invited to the ceremony. The invite also marks 75 years of diplomatic ties between Cairo and New Delhi.

A total of 23 tableaux— 17 from States and Union Territories and six from various Ministries and departments depicting India’s vibrant cultural heritage, and economic and social progress were a part of the parade on the Kartavya Path.

Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force along with other security forces presented a spectacular show in front of the nation as they marched past the dais where the President along with other dignitaries took the salute.

Here are the latest updates:

74th Republic Day parade comes to an end

74th Republic Day parade comes to an end.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

Spectacular flypast by 50 aircraft during 74th Republic Day celebration leaves people stunned

On the occasion of the 74th Republic Day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) presented a spectacular flypast and air display with 50 aircraft and helicopters of the three forces— Air, Navy, and Army. This included 45 aircraft of the Air Force, one from the Navy, and four helicopters of the Army that exhibited their aerobatics and professional skills.

The flypast is one of the major attractions during the parade. People kept their phone cameras open but faced trouble capturing aircraft formations due to the layer of fog and smoke cloaking the capital. According to the Central Pollution Control Board data, Delhi’s air quality index stood at 287 at 12 noon, rapidly worsening from 160 at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Governor leads Kerala’s R-Day celebrations

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan hoisted the National Flag and received salute at the ceremonial parade that was attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries. Governor Khan has called for progressive qualitative transformation in the State’s higher education to limit the flow of students to other States and countries and reap the benefits of the country’s projected demographic dividend.

Crediting the State government for addressing key areas such as agriculture, environment, housing, health care and education by further its vision of a ‘ Navakeralam’ (New Kerala), the Governor said the completion of over 3.2 lakh houses under the LIFE Mission has added strength to India’s dream of providing houses to over one crore beneficiaries through various schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Vande Bharatam — the Nritya Utsav showcase led by the Ministries of Culture and Defence

The Kartavya Path turned into a canvas of colours, song, and dance, as performing artists embodied threads of the country’s rich cultural diversity, through Vande Bharatam— the Nritya Utsav showcase led by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence

Young dancers from all over India, across genres like classical, folk, and contemporary, were assessed and selected for the parade. The theme was ‘Shakti Rupena Samsthita’ and through art and dance forms, ‘Devi’ was celebrated. ‘Nari Shakti’ was the theme of the dance, which was performed by 326 female and 153 male artistes, Mohan said.

Vande Bharatam— the Nritya Utsav showcase led by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

Stunning landscape, cultural heritage of Ladakh, Wildlife, religious sites of Uttarakhand, legendary tribal hero Birsa Munda, Baidyanath Temple of Jharkhand, tourism potential of Arunachal, Ayodhya Deepotsav of Uttar Pradesh showcased at R-Day parade

The pristine landscape and vibrant cultural heritage of Ladakh, including rock-cut statues in Kargil, have been showcased in the Union territory’s Republic Day tableau that rolled down the Kartavya Path on Thursday. The float was accompanied by a colourful troupe of artistes drawn from both Leh and Kargil regions.

Uttarakhand showcased its wildlife and religious sites at the Republic Day parade. In the foreground of the State tableau, reindeer, deer, and various birds were shown roaming in the world-famous Corbett National Park The central part of tableau depicted the state animal of Uttarakhand, ‘musk deer’, national bird peacock and ghoral.

Jharkhand’s tableau showcased legendary tribal hero Birsa Munda and the famous Baidyanath Temple with Sohrai paintings on its side panels at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path.

Known as the land of the rising sun, Arunachal Pradesh showcased its tourism potential at the Republic Day parade here. The tableau of the State displayed the potential for tourism in the fields of adventure, sports, ecology, culture, religion, history and archeology.

Uttar Pradesh’s tableau which rolled down the Kartavya Path during the 74th Republic Day parade depicted Lord Ram and Goddess Sita being welcomed by the people of Ayodhya on their return from exile, and the Deepotsav celebrations in the temple town.

Lord Krishna’s ‘Virat Swaroop’, scene from Kurukshetra centrepiece of Haryana tableau

Lord Krishna giving sermons to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and the deity’s “Virat Swaroop” are the centerpiece of the 74th Republic Day tableau showcased by Haryana on the Kartavya Path.

The State’s tableau, with its theme drawn from the epic Mahabharata and taking inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, presents a huge model of a chariot pulled by four horses.

“The tableau showcases Lord Krishna serving as a charioteer to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and offering him sermons. The front part of the tableau depicts Lord Krishna in his ‘Virat Swaroop’ form as he is displayed before Arjuna. -PTI

Assam tableau depicts heroics of Lachit Borphukan, State’s cultural heritage

Legendary Ahom General Lachit Borphukan and the revered Kamakhya Temple and other cultural heritage of Assam were depicted on the state’s tableau as it rolled down the Kartvaya Path during the 74th Republic Day celebrations.

Borphukan was a commander in the erstwhile Ahom kingdom and is known for his leadership in the 1671 battle of Saraighat which thwarted an attempt by Mughal forces to capture Assam. -PTI

Tamil Nadu’s tableau showcases the State’s rich cultrue

Tamil Nadu’s tableau showcases the State’s rich culture, and women’s empowerment.

Tamil Nadu’s tableau showcases the State’s rich culture and women’s empowerment. 
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

Gujarat tableau with the theme clean-green energy Gujarat

Gujarat tableau: Clean-Green Energy Gujarat
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh tableau marches on

Andhra Pradesh tableau marches on with the theme Prabhala Teertham: A festival of peasantry during Makara Sankranthi

The  Prabhala Theertham, or  Prabhala panduga in local parlance, is all about taking out  Prabhalu (flowery replica of religious idols built with bamboo frames decorated with colour papers and lights) in a procession that adds beauty to the Konaseema region during Sankranti festival. These decorated bamboo arches with Lord Siva’s images on them are taken around in a huge procession from 150 villages in Konaseema area. The practice is said to be in vogue from the time of Pithapuram Rajahs. A few archives in Rajamahendravaram Gowthami Regional library indicate that the Pithapuram king’s advisor Vittal Jakkanna started the tradition of  Prabhalu to bring unity among all sections of people.

Andhra Pradesh tableau marches on with the theme Prabhala Teertham: A festival of peasantry during Makara Sankranthi
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

Republic Day function in Agartala

Security force personnel march past during the 74th Republic Day function, in Agartala, on Jan. 26, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Indian Navy contingent led by a woman naval air operations official

Lt Commander Disha Amrith, a woman naval air operations official posted at a strategic base, will lead the Indian Navy’s Republic Day contingent of 144 young sailors and its tableau will showcase the ‘Nari Shakti’ in force.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

President Murmu unfurls the national flag, followed by the 21-gun salute

The 21-gun salute, as it is called, has been a constant feature of all our Republic Days. The salute, a remnant of India’s colonial past is now an acknowledgement of the sovereignty of our people. 

President Murmu unfurls the national flag, followed by the 21-gun salute.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

Tamil Nadu governor unfurls national flag in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu governor R.N. Ravi hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day celebrations held in Chennai on January 26, 2023. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is also seen in the picture.
| Photo Credit:
S.R. Raghunathan

Republic Day ceremony commences with arrival of PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day celebrations. He led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. The Republic Day celebrations commenced with the homage ceremony at the National War Memorial. PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his arrival at the National War Memorial.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National War Memorial.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

74th Republic Day celebrations in Coimbatore

Students performing a cultural program on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day celebrations at VOC Park grounds in Coimbatore on January 26, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
M. Periasamy

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurls national flag in Patna

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar salutes after hoisting the national flag during the 74th Republic Day celebrations, at his official residence in Patna, on Jan. 26, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde unfurls national flag in Mumbai

In his maiden stint as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unfurled the national flag, and kickstarted 74th Republic Day celebrations in Mumbai.

Mr. Shinde, who revolted against former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on June 20, 2022, was joined by around 39 Sena MLAs and 11 independents.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde salutes after hoisting the national flag during the 74th Republic Day celebrations, at his official residence in Mumbai, on Jan. 26, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

PM Modi extends his Republic Day greetings to the nation

Extending his greetings to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26 said in a tweet, “I wish that we move forward unitedly to fulfill the dreams of the country’s great freedom fighters. Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians!”

Google celebrates India’s 74th Republic Day with Doodle containing elements of parade

Celebrating India’s 74th Republic Day, Gujarat-based artist Parth Kothekar has crafted an intricately hand-cut paper artwork to illustrate Google Doodle. Many elements of the Republic Day parade are represented in the artwork including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the India Gate, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) marching contingent, and motorcycle riders. -ANI

74th Republic Day celebrations in Coimbatore

Police personnel at the 74th Republic Day celebrations at VOC Park grounds in Coimbatore on January 26, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
M. Periasamy

President Murmu to lead nation in celebrating 74th R-Day

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the Republic Day, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest at the ceremonial event. The military assets which will be displayed during the parade include made-in-India equipment, showing the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, officials had earlier said.

As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. Among, the many firsts, the ceremonial salute will be given with 105-mm Indian field guns. It replaces the vintage 25-pounder guns, reflecting upon the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path, the statement said.

The parade will commence with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, a second-generation Army officer. Maj Gen Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

This year, the Republic Day celebrations will see attractive performances by dancers from Vande Bharatam group from across the country, tales of bravery by ‘Veer Gatha 2.0’ participants, melodious performances by school bands at the National War Memorial, largest-ever drone show and 3-D anamorphic projection, it said. -PTI

Multi-layer security cover in place for Republic Day celebrations

A multi-layer security cover is in place for the Republic Day celebrations here on Thursday with police conducting anti-sabotage checks, verification drives, and patrolling to thwart any untoward incident, according to officials.

Around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed in the New Delhi district and 24 help desks set up for those attending the celebrations at the Kartavya Path, they said.

Police said that around 60,000 to 65,000 people are expected to attend the Republic Day celebrations. -PTI