This year’s event will have Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto attending as the Chief Guest
The Republic Day Parade 2025 is set to be an unparalleled celebration of India’s cultural diversity and military might, commemorating 75 years since the enactment of the Indian Constitution. The parade, to be held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, promises to blend tradition and progress, with the participation of dignitaries, armed forces, cultural performers, and citizens from across the country.

This year’s event will have Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto attending as the Chief Guest. A 350-member Indonesian contingent, including a 160-member marching unit and a 190-member band, will join Indian contingents, symbolizing the growing ties between the two nations.

The highlight of the military display will be the debut of Pralay, India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, signifying the country’s advancing defense capabilities.

The parade will commence with 300 cultural artists playing “Sare Jahan Se Achha” on traditional instruments from various parts of India. Instruments like the Shehnai, Nadaswaram, Mashak Been, Flute, and Thavil will echo the melody of unity and patriotism.

The parade will feature 31 tableaux from states, union territories, and central ministries on the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). Two special tableaux will commemorate the 75th year of the Indian Constitution, celebrating its foundational principles of justice, liberty, and equality.

The event will conclude with a flypast by 47 aircraft, showcasing India’s aerial strength, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

In line with the principle of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation), 10,000 special guests from 34 categories have been invited to witness the parade. These guests include:
500 sarpanches from villages excelling in government schemes.
400 ASHA workers, 400 water conservationists, and 500 artisans excelling in handicrafts and handlooms.
300 disaster relief workers and 200 beneficiaries of the PM KUSUM scheme.

For the first time, couples dressed in traditional attire from each state and union territory will symbolize India’s cultural unity at Kartavya Path.

Winners of national competitions, including the Veer Gatha 4.0 project and various quizzes and essay contests, will also attend. Notably, over 1.76 crore students participated in Veer Gatha 4.0, showcasing the bravery of Indian soldiers.

The parade will witness the debut of Pralay, a tactical quasi-ballistic missile with a range of 150–500 km. This surface-to-surface missile, developed indigenously, fulfills the Army’s need for battlefield readiness and tactical superiority. Pralay represents India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology and is a significant milestone in its military capabilities.

The Republic Day celebrations this year aim to be more accessible and inclusive:
Free Delhi Metro rides will be provided to ticket holders, with operations starting at 4:00 AM.
Park-and-ride schemes will offer shuttle services from designated parking areas to the venue.
Enhanced facilities, including additional toilets, cloakrooms, and first-aid booths, will ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.
Youth volunteers from the NCC will assist attendees, and all enclosures will be Divyang-friendly (accessible for people with disabilities).
A dedicated mobile app and Rashtraparv Portal have been launched to provide information on ticket bookings, seating, and parking.

The Republic Day festivities extend beyond the parade itself. The Bharat Parv, a week-long cultural festival at the Red Fort, will showcase tableaux, military band performances, and food courts offering regional cuisines.
Scheduled for 29 January, 2025, the Beating Retreat Ceremony will feature traditional Indian tunes and the lowering of the National Flag in a solemn yet grand conclusion to the celebrations.

Nearly 13,000 students participated in the National School Band Competition, and the winners will perform at the parade. The Prime Minister’s NCC Rally, focused on the theme “Yuva Shakti-Viksit Bharat,” will highlight the contributions of India’s youth.

A mass cultural performance titled “Jayati Jaya Mamaḥ Bharatam” will feature over 5,000 artists performing 45 dance forms from across the country. This 11-minute display, organized by the Ministry of Culture, will span the entire Kartavya Path, ensuring that all attendees experience the spectacle.

The 75th anniversary of the Constitution will be marked with special competitions, including essay writing, painting, and online quizzes. Balloons bearing the Constitution’s anniversary logo will be released at the end of the parade.

The Bharat Parv at Red Fort from January 26 to 31 will include static military band performances, a crafts bazaar highlighting India’s artisanal diversity, and a food festival showcasing regional cuisines.

The Republic Day Parade 2025 exemplifies India’s progress as a nation, honoring its Constitution, celebrating cultural diversity, and showcasing military strength. As the nation reflects on 75 years of constitutional governance, the celebrations highlight the unity, resilience, and aspirations of over a billion Indians. The 2025 Republic Day Parade is not just an event—it’s a tribute to India’s journey and a vision for its future.