Republic Day 2024: In a first in 40 years, President Murmu, chief guest Macron arrive in horse-drawn ‘buggy’ for parade

Republic Day of India: French President Emmanuel Macron is be the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day parade, which is set to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, unity and progress

President Droupadi Murmu with chief guest French President Emmanuel Macron arrives during the 75th Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavyapath, in New Delhi, on Friday. (Photo: PTI)

75th Republic Day of India: The horse-drawn ‘buggy’ made a comeback this Republic Day after a gap of 40 years as President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron travelled in the traditional carriage to the Kartavya Path for the parade.

The traditional ‘buggy’ was accompanied by men in striking red uniforms atop majestic horses. The buggy was escorted by the President’s Bodyguard — ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak’. The President’s Bodyguard is the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. This Republic Day is special for this elite Regiment as the ‘Angrakshak’ have completed 250 years of service since its raising in 1773.

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The main ceremony started at 10.30am. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the National War Memorial to pay tributes tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

VIDEO | President Droupadi Murmu unfurls the Tricolour at Kartavya Path, Delhi, on the occasion of 75th Republic Day.#RepublicDay2024 #RepublicDayIndia pic.twitter.com/hOsYoTKgap

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the parade, which is set to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, unity and progress; its military prowess on the back of increasing indigenous capabilities, and the growing Nari Shakti, according to the central government.

The parade is based on the twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India- the mother of democracy). It will witness the participation of around 13,000 special guests from all walks of life, aimed at encouraging public participation in the national festival.

Besides, for the first time ever, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments. The parade also witnessed the maiden participation of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots also enthralled the audience during the Fly-past, representing women power. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) also consisted of only women personnel.

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