In all its colour, glory: The Republic turns 75

NEW DELHI: India on Sunday put up a grand military spectacle, showcased its cultural richness and threw in a stunning musical extravaganza during the 76th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path that packed in tens of thousands of people who soaked up every moment of the 90-minute celebration that featured several fighter jets, transport aircraft, attack helicopters, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, missile and rocket systems, soldiers on horseback, the much-loved Border Security Force camel contingent and band, and performances by 5,300 artistes.

- Rahul Singh

The national flag was unfurled on the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu along with this year's chief guest Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto - both arrived in a four wheeled carriage drawn by six horses, as the ceremonial battery of the army's 172 Field Regiment sounded a 21-gun salute with the indigenous 105mm light field guns.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tribute to India's fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, a monument dedicated to soldiers who fell in postIndependence wars and operations.

"A vibrant display of India's unity in diversity. The magnificent parade showcased cultural heritage and military prowess.

The vibrant tableaux represented the rich traditions of our states," Modi wrote on X.

The parade, India's biggest ceremonial event, was heralded by 300 artistes playing a variety of Indian martial musical instruments, followed by Mi-17-IV helicopters raining down petals on the rapturous crowds and setting the event's tone.