India commemorated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a vibrant and grand parade along the Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This year’s celebration included a diverse array of cultural displays, featuring sixteen tableaux representing various states and Union Territories, along with fifteen from central ministries and departments. Each tableau served to highlight the nation’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and technological advancements.
Among the participating states, Uttar Pradesh’s tableau, which focused on the imminent Mahakumbh festival and was titled “Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,” distinguished itself by winning the first prize. Following closely, Tripura’s tableau, themed “Eternal Reverence: The Worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja,” placed second, while Andhra Pradesh’s tableau, showcasing “Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys,” secured the third position.
In a separate online poll conducted through the MyGov portal, Gujarat’s tableau emerged as the “Popular Choice” winner, with Uttar Pradesh again taking the second spot, and Uttarakhand coming in third.
The parade also honored military excellence, recognizing the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles as the best marching contingent among all three armed services, praised for its discipline and precision. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police contingent was acknowledged as the top marching unit among the Central Armed Police Forces and auxiliary forces.
In the central ministries and departments category, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs received top honors for its tableau depicting the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. A special accolade was awarded to the Central Public Works Department for its display commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India, and a vibrant performance by the Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam dance group garnered recognition as well.
The Republic Day parade not only spotlighted India’s cultural diversity but also showcased its advanced defense technologies. Highlights included the BrahMos missile, the Pinaka rocket system, the Akash air defense missile system, and the army’s battle surveillance system known as “Sanjay.” Also making its first appearance in the parade was the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) tactical missile “Pralay,” a testament to India’s growing defense capabilities.
The celebrations culminated with a spectacular flypast, where a variety of aircraft performed in precision formation, symbolizing the nation’s military strength and marking the conclusion of the annual festivities. This grand display served as a powerful reminder of India’s resilience, unity, and progress as a sovereign republic.
