Air Force flypast, Rafale jet flip, flower petal shower: First-time attendees at R-Day parade left stunned

Showcasing India’s cultural diversity, ornate tableaux from 16 states, Union Territories, and Central government departments were the highlights of the Republic Day parade on Sunday. The theme of Andhra Pradesh’s tableau was ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu,’ featuring eco-friendly wooden toys. While Uttar Pradesh displayed its Maha Kumbh tableau, West Bengal, on the other hand, showcased its “Lakshmir Bhandar” and “Lok Prasar Prakalpa” tableau, highlighting the state government’s welfare schemes.

A total of 10,000 special guests were invited to the grand event, including members of self-help groups, tribal artisans, ASHA workers, disaster relief workers, renewable energy advocates, environmentalists, and farmers, among others. Dressed in their traditional attire, 50 Delhi-based couples from each state and union territory were also among the invitees.

Posted in Haryana’s Karnal, Kumar is on holiday and is spending time at his home in Northwest Delhi’s Narela with his parents, wife, and son. He shared that he was excited to see the Indian Air Force flypast — which he had only seen on TV earlier — in person.

Many took out their phones to capture the once-in-a-year experience. (Express Photo/ Praveen Khanna)

Kritika Rani, 22, who hails from Kashmir, had never been to Delhi before. But when an opportunity came up, it was not for a usual “tour de Delhi”. She was selected to perform at the Republic Day parade. “I was selected for performing in the parade around a month ago. I was nervous at first… but since I had never been to Delhi, it was a good opportunity as well,” says Kritika, who has just completed her Masters in Political Science.

For one month, Kritika has been staying at a friend’s in Noida’s Sector 168. She has been commuting every day to Pusa Road in Delhi to practice for her parade performance. “This was also the first time I saw the Prime Minister, up and close. It was overwhelming and exciting to look at him in person. I also saw all those army weapons and jets for the first time. I feel very proud to be part of such an event,” she says.

For Yamin, who came from Arunachal Pradesh for the ‘Pariksha pe Charcha’ event, where the PM addresses the students, the Republic Day parade is a bonus while she looks forward to her upcoming interaction with Modi.

One among the 100 students selected for the event, Yamin says the parade for her is everything that India represents to her. “The best part for me was the last dance, where all our cultures from across the region were showcased together. It truly reflected unity in diversity,” she says. She was referring to the cultural performances of 5,000 artists selected by the Ministry of Culture through the Sangeet Natak Academy.

The “trishul” formation also left attendees stunned.

Like every year, the celebration of the 76th Republic Day of India began with the commencement of a grand parade at Kartavya Path. Ahead of the parade, President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path, and PM Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial at 10:30 am. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest this year with military contingents from the country also taking part in a march-past.

It was a spellbinding moment for them as flower petals were showered on them by a helicopter. Many took out their phones to capture the once-in-a-year experience.

India’s military might was also on display be it BrahMos, the high-precision cruise missile known for its range of 400 km, or other weapon systems.

The “trishul” formation — three Su 30 aircraft leaving behind contrails in the shape of a trident -— also left the attendees stunned.

Towards the end of the show, saffron, green and white balloons, and banners — symbolising the tricolour — were released.