NewKerala.com

2,500 Artists Illuminate Republic Day with Historic Vande Mataram Tribute

A grand cultural performance featuring 2,500 artists formed the centerpiece of the 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram. The event, themed "Swatantrata Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram," showcased India's cultural diversity through folk and classical dances from various states. Distinguished guests including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and European leaders witnessed the parade, which also featured a military display and an IAF flypast. The parade commemorated India's transition to a republic in 1950, blending historical remembrance with displays of artistic and martial pride.

Key Points: Republic Day Parade Marks 150 Years of Vande Mataram

  • 2,500 artists performed
  • 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram
  • PM Modi and President Murmu attended
  • Military flypast with Rafale, Su-30 jets
  • 17 states showcased tableaux
2 min read

2,500 artists showcases 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' at Republic Day Parade

2,500 artists performed at the Republic Day parade celebrating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, watched by PM Modi and President Murmu.

"Swatantrata Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram – Theme of the 77th Republic Day Parade"

New Delhi, January 26

A spectacular cultural display unfolded along the Kartavya Path in the heart of India's capital as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday, with around 2,500 artists performing in a choreographed mixed dance to the tune of Vande Mataram.

The performance was a key feature of this year's parade, marking the 150th anniversary of the iconic national song.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched eagerly as performers, dressed in vibrant attires representing various states and cultural traditions, presented India's cultural richness and unity. The dancers showcased folk and classical forms from across the country in a tribute to the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram, first written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later adopted as the national song.

The theme of the parade -- "Swatantrata Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram" -- infused the celebration with historic resonance, charting the song's journey from a rallying cry in India's freedom movement to a symbol of collective national identity.

The dancers performed before distinguished guests, including President Droupadi Murmu and visiting dignitaries such as European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as the parade underscored both India's heritage and its contemporary diplomatic ties.

The annual Republic Day parade -- one of the biggest patriotic events in India -- blended cultural splendour with military precision.

Alongside the cultural performances, Military contingents and equipment marched down Kartavya Path, showcasing India's defence capabilities. The Indian Air Force flypast enthralled spectators with formations of Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, and other aircraft.

Traditional music, band performances, and tableaux from 17 states and 13 ministries highlighted India's diversity and achievements. The parade also included a 21-gun salute and patriotic ceremonies that reaffirmed the Republic's values of democracy, unity, and progress.

India's Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, when the nation transitioned to a republic. Held annually on 26 January at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, the parade is organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture and has been a tradition since the first celebration in 1950.

This year's parade gave special emphasis to the sesquicentenary of Vande Mataram, intertwining historical remembrance with expressions of artistic and martial pride.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The parade was spectacular as always! The cultural performances are the soul of Republic Day. It's heartening to see our national song getting such a grand tribute on its 150th year. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay would be proud.
A
Arjun K
While the performance was beautiful, I hope the artists were compensated fairly and the rehearsals didn't disrupt their lives too much. Organising 2,500 people is a massive task. Respect to all the dancers and the behind-the-scenes teams!
S
Sarah B
Watching from abroad and feeling so emotional. Vande Mataram always stirs the soul. The blend of military might and cultural soft power was impressive. It showcases a confident, modern India to the world.
K
Karthik V
The theme "Swatantrata Ka Mantra" was perfect. Vande Mataram is more than a song; it's the heartbeat of our freedom struggle. Teaching its history and significance to the next generation is so important. Great initiative by the Culture Ministry.
M
Michael C
The scale of coordination for an event like this is mind-boggling. From the tableaux to the flypast, everything was precise. It's a powerful symbol of what India can achieve when we work together. A proud moment for every citizen.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50