Republic Day 2024: As India gears up to celebrate its 74th Republic Day on January 26, preparations are in full swing across the nation. The focal point of the celebrations is New Delhis Kartavya Path, where impressive parades showcasing the armed forces, police, and paramilitary contingents will unfold.From Rich Heritage to Future Ready #IndianArmy…⚔️See it all at the #RepublicDay Parade 2024. 🇮🇳#RepublicDay2024#RDP#RDP2024#YearofTechAbsorption pic.twitter.com/YN4qllZ3XY— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 24, 2024The Republic Day parade will commence at 10:30 AM at Vijay Chowk and proceed along Kartavya Path. Around 77,000 people can be accommodated across the venue, with 42,000 seats reserved for the general public.What is the theme of Republic Day 2024The parade is expected to reflect the themes of Viksit Bharat and Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka, highlighting Indias democratic ethos. Who is chief guest of Republic Day this yearFrench President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest this year. Macron will arrive in Jaipur on January 25 for engagements including visiting the Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Jaipur visit before traveling to Delhi the same evening.#WATCH | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Jaipur, Rajasthan as part of his two-day State visit to India. He will also attend the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the Chief Guest. pic.twitter.com/4zYFGZuVfu— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024On January 26, Macron will attend the Republic Day parade and At Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan as Chief Guest. This will make him the 6th French leader to be accorded this honor since 1976.Heres a look at the top attractions and all thats special in Republic Day 2024: All-Women Tri-Services ContingentFor the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent comprising troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will participate in the parade. It includes women soldiers from the Armys Corps of Military Police.Two decorated soldiers - Honorary Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar - will also take part in the parade. Both are among the three living Param Vir Chakra awardees.French Military ContingentA 95-member marching contingent, 33-member band contingent, two Rafale fighters, and one Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft will represent France. Six Indian nationals will also join the French marching contingent.Saree InstallationAnant Sutra - The Endless Thread installation will showcase 1,900 sarees from across India. It highlights the diversity of weaving and embroidery traditions. The Ministry of Culture stated it includes a 150-year-old saree as an ode to Indias weavers.TableauxTableaux will highlight sectors like AI, space, and agriculture. ISROs tableau will depict the Chandrayaan-3 landing at the Moons south pole. MEITYs tableau will showcase AI applications in education, agriculture, and medicine.Flypast The flypast will see 51 aircraft including 15 women pilots. French aircraft will also participate. It will demonstrate new vehicles like all-terrain trucks.Special GuestsAround 13,000 special guests have been invited including people who excelled in govt schemes, yoga teachers, Paralympic medalists, sarpanches, women sanitation workers, electronic manufacturers, and more.The emphasis on participation from diverse fields aligns with the governments vision of Jan Bhagidari, recognizing exemplary Indians. Overall, Republic Day 2024 promises to be a grand celebration of Indias democracy and diversity.
