Republic Day 2024: Buggy Returns, Military Might & European Chiefs Grace Kartavya Path

President Droupadi Murmu and European Chief Guests Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kartavya Path for the Republic Day parade. The celebrations revived a 40-year-old tradition with the leaders arriving in a ceremonial buggy escorted by the President's Bodyguard. This year's parade uniquely blends 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with displays of military might, including BrahMos missiles and a 29-aircraft flypast. The event also features 30 cultural tableaux and is witnessed by about 10,000 special guests, including participants from 'Mann ki Baat'.

Key Points: R-Day 2024: Murmu, Costa, von der Leyen Chief Guests | Buggy Returns

  • Buggy tradition revived after 40 years
  • EU leaders Antonio Costa & Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests
  • Parade to feature BrahMos, Akash missiles & 29-aircraft flypast
  • 2,500 artists in cultural performance
  • 'Mann ki Baat' guests among 10,000 special invitees
2 min read

R-Day: Prez Murmu, Chief Guests Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen receive warm welcome at Karavya Path

President Murmu, EU chiefs Antonio Costa & Ursula von der Leyen welcomed by PM Modi. Buggy tradition revived after 40 years. Parade showcases BrahMos, flypast, and 2500 artists.

"Reviving a tradition discontinued for 40 years, they arrived in the 'Traditional Buggy', adding a regal charm to the celebrations."

New Delhi, Jan 26

President Droupadi Murmu, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the saluting base at Kartavya Path.

As part of the tradition, the President and the Chief Guests were escorted to Kartavya Path by the President's Bodyguard, 'Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak', the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. Reviving a tradition discontinued for 40 years, they arrived in the 'Traditional Buggy, adding a regal charm to the celebrations.

The Prime Minister and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also welcome Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.

This year's Republic Day Parade will uniquely blend 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', India's military might, including the BrahMos and Akash missiles, and rich cultural diversity through 30 vibrant tableaux.

This is the first Republic Day Parade to be held after Operation Sindoor last year and promises a special display of military might through cutting-edge defence platforms and a grand flypast by 29 aircraft.

The flypast will showcase Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17 in different formations.

The Republic Parade will feature cutting-edge defence platforms and a spectacular cultural performance by 2,500 artists, celebrating Vande Mataram and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Meanwhile, participants of 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio show, will join construction workers of Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis, and about 10,000 other special guests from different fields, who will witness the Republic Day Parade.

According to the Defence Ministry, the special guest list includes those who have carried out exemplary work in income and employment generation, best innovators, researchers and start-ups, self-help groups and best performers under key government initiatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see our military might on display, especially the BrahMos and Akash missiles. After Operation Sindoor, this parade sends a strong message of our defence capabilities. The flypast lineup is incredible! A true celebration of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
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Sarah B
As an observer from abroad, I find it fascinating how India blends deep tradition with cutting-edge technology. The guest list including Lakhpati Didis and innovators is a powerful statement about inclusive growth. The cultural performances must be spectacular.
R
Rohit P
Having the common people who featured in 'Mann ki Baat' as special guests is the best part for me. It shows the government is recognizing real heroes from the grassroots. That's the spirit of our Republic.
K
Karthik V
The parade is always majestic, but I hope the focus on military display doesn't overshadow the constitutional values and social justice we are meant to celebrate on Republic Day. The cultural tableaux are crucial for that balance.
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Nisha Z
150 years of Vande Mataram! 🎉 What a moment to celebrate. The participation of 2500 artists sounds amazing. Our cultural diversity is our real strength, and I'm glad it gets such a grand platform on Kartavya Path.
M
Michael C

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