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Republic Day 2025 in India: The theme for this year’s celebrations, ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ reflects India’s journey of progress while honouring its deep-rooted cultural legacy.
Republic Day 2025 In India: The highlight of the celebrations is the grand parade in New Delhi. (Image: Shutterstock)
Republic Day 2025 In India: India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26 every year, but is this the 76th one? Yes, the country will celebrate its 76th Republic Day and commemorate India’s adoption of its Constitution on this very day in 1950. The event is celebrated across the nation, but the highlight remains the grand Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The theme for the Republic Day parade this year is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ dedicated to India’s rich heritage and promising future.
History Of Republic Day
Though India gained independence on August 15, 1947, January 26 holds a special place in the hearts of all Indians. It was on this day in 1950 that India adopted its Constitution, officially becoming a Sovereign, Democratic Republic.
This was the moment when the nation’s future as a republic was set in stone. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, raised the national flag that day, marking the birth of the Indian Republic.
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Since that fateful day, Republic Day has been celebrated every year to honour the country’s democratic foundations. January 26 has become a national holiday, serving as a solemn reminder of the nation’s principles of justice, liberty and equality.
Significance Of Republic Day
The highlight of the Republic Day celebrations is, without a doubt, the grand parade in New Delhi. The President of India presides over the event by hoisting the national flag at Kartavya Path, followed by a dazzling display of military might, cultural diversity, and patriotic spirit. The parade is a breathtaking display of India’s military prowess.
Various states and government departments also take out tableaux that capture the essence of India’s culture and diversity. The event is not just a celebration of the nation’s history but also a display of the unity that binds its diverse regions and communities.
After the parade, the Prime Minister pays tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, honouring the sacrifices made by brave soldiers who fought for India’s freedom.
Republic Day Parade 2025 Theme
Each year, the Republic Day celebrations feature a spectacular parade that shows elaborate tableaux from various states, Union Territories and central ministries.
These displays march proudly along the Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), and for 2025, the chosen theme is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ which aims to reflect India’s journey of progress while honouring its deep-rooted cultural legacy.
For Republic Day 2025, 15 states and UTs — Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal — will display their tableaux on Kartavya Path.
Additionally, 11 central government ministries and departments will also showcase their representations. Even states and UTs not selected for the parade will have an opportunity to display their tableaux at the Bharat Parv, held from January 26–31 at the Red Fort.
The Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto
For the 2025 Republic Day celebrations, Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, has accepted India’s invitation to be the chief guest. Subianto’s visit, the first of Prime Minister Modi’s third term, underscores the growing strategic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in defence and maritime affairs.
The relationship between India and Indonesia has flourished over the years, especially following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jakarta in 2018, where the two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This partnership, along with the ‘Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,’ demonstrates the strengthening of defence and security ties between India and Indonesia.
Republic Day Celebrations Across the Country
Republic Day is not just about the parade in the capital. All across India, government offices, schools, and public spaces celebrate this day with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and performances.
It’s a day that reminds citizens of their role in the nation’s democratic framework and the importance of upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution.
The President of India also takes this opportunity to bestow various military honours, such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra, recognising the bravery and selflessness of soldiers.
The prestigious Padma Awards are also conferred on civilians who have made significant contributions to society in various fields, further elevating the day’s importance.
