R-Day: How Did Prez Murmu, Guests Costa and von der Leyen Get a Grand Welcome at Kartavya Path?
Synopsis
Witness the grandeur of India's Republic Day as President Droupadi Murmu, along with esteemed guests Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, receive a royal welcome at Kartavya Path. This year's parade promises a unique blend of military might and cultural heritage.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu leads the Republic Day celebrations.
Traditional Buggy arrival revives a 40-year-old custom.
Display of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' is a key highlight.
Advanced military hardware, including BrahMos and Akash missiles , will be showcased.
Featuring a spectacular flypast by 29 aircraft .
New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are the Chief Guests for the Republic Day festivities, received a gracious welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the saluting base located at Kartavya Path.
Following a time-honored tradition, both the President and the Chief Guests were escorted to Kartavya Path by the esteemed President's Bodyguard, known as 'Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak', the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army. They revived a custom that had been dormant for four decades by arriving in a 'Traditional Buggy', adding a royal touch to the event.
Alongside them, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also welcomed Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
This year’s Republic Day Parade is set to present a unique amalgamation of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', showcasing India's military prowess, which includes advanced systems like the BrahMos and Akash missiles, along with 30 vibrant tableaux that represent the country’s rich cultural diversity.
This will be the inaugural Republic Day Parade following last year’s Operation Sindoor, promising an extraordinary display of military strength featuring state-of-the-art defence platforms and an impressive flypast involving 29 aircraft.
The flypast will exhibit various aircraft including the Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 in different formations.
The Republic Parade will highlight cutting-edge defence systems and a magnificent cultural showcase by 2,500 artists, celebrating Vande Mataram and the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
Meanwhile, individuals who participated in 'Mann ki Baat', the monthly radio show hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will join construction workers from Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis, and around 10,000 special guests from various fields, all set to witness the Republic Day Parade.
According to the Defence Ministry, the special guest list features outstanding individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to income and employment generation, innovative thinkers, researchers, start-ups, self-help groups, and top performers under significant government initiatives.
Point of View
I affirm that the Republic Day Parade is not just a celebration of our military strength, but also a showcase of India's cultural richness. The presence of global leaders emphasizes our commitment to international collaboration. This event unites the nation and highlights our progress towards a self-reliant future.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Republic Day in India?
Republic Day marks the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, making India a sovereign state. It celebrates the democratic values and rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Who were the chief guests at this year's Republic Day?
The chief guests for this year's Republic Day celebrations were President Antonio Costa of the European Council and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission.
What are the highlights of this year's Republic Day Parade?
This year's parade will feature a unique blend of military might, including advanced missiles, and 30 vibrant tableaux showcasing India's cultural diversity.
