New Delhi: This year’s Republic Day parade on January 26 will spotlight India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity as the nation marks its 75th year of the Republic. The event will not only portray India as the ‘mother of democracy’ but will also prominently feature a women-centric theme, emphasising the significant role of women in the country’s progress.
Breaking tradition, this year’s parade will kick off with a unique and empowering touch as 100 women artists take the lead, playing a variety of Indian musical instruments. The captivating melody of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, and more will set the vibrant tone for the grand procession.
For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will participate, featuring troops from the Army’s military police alongside women from the other two services.
Alongside the tri-service contingent, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents will also include all-women units.
In another historic first, the Delhi Police is set to participate in the Republic Day Parade with an all-women contingent and women’s band. Leading the Delhi Police contingent this year is Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, North District, Shweta K Sugathan, IPS.
Further amplifying this momentous occasion, the cultural showcase will witness an unprecedented 1,300 female performers, marking the highest number of participants in the parade’s illustrious history. The event promises to be a celebration of diversity and a testament to the growing role of women in the armed forces.
Underscoring the significant participation of women in the parade, Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane said, “Best representation of women will be seen in this year’s Republic Day parade.”
The parade will feature captivating tableaux dedicated to the theme of ‘women empowerment,’ illuminating the remarkable strides and achievements of women across a spectrum of fields.
In a vibrant celebration of women’s pivotal contributions to socio-economic activities, the Manipur tableau will showcase the integral role of women in traditional craftsmanship. Focused on the delicate fibres extracted from lotus stems, the tableau highlights women skillfully using traditional ‘charkhas’ to spin yarns.
The tableau will showcase fabrics crafted by Manipuri women, including the lotus silk by Bijayshanti Tongbram, India’s first lotus silk maker.
Madhya Pradesh’s Republic Day tableau is set to spotlight the state’s strides in empowering women through comprehensive welfare schemes. The presentation aims to underscore the significant role women play across diverse sectors, spanning from the contemporary service industry to small-scale enterprises and traditional realms.
Rajasthan’s Republic Day tableau is set to showcase women’s handicraft industries and the state’s festive culture. The display will feature the iconic Ghoomar dance, a mannequin capturing its spirit, and a statue of Meera Bai symbolising devotion and power. Additionally, the tableau will showcase Rajasthan’s rich handicraft traditions, spotlighting bandhej, bagru print, and applique work.
Haryana’s Republic Day tableau is poised to showcase the significant advancements in women’s empowerment within the state, highlighting the transformative government program ‘Mera Parivar – Meri Pehchan’. The tableau will vividly portray Haryanvi women confidently wielding digital devices, serving as powerful symbols of the transformative influence of the Digital India initiative.
Odisha’s tableau will spotlight the invaluable contributions of women in the handicrafts and handloom sectors. Emphasising their pivotal role in safeguarding and propagating traditional arts.
Chhattisgarh’s tableau will bring to life the 600-year-old tribal tradition of ‘Muria Darbar’ from Bastar at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The display will spotlight the dominant role of women in Bastar’s tribal culture, featuring traditional bell-metals and terracotta artifacts.
Ladakh’s tableau is set to shine a spotlight on the accomplished women of the Indian ice hockey team hailing from the region. The tableau will showcase the achievements and significant contributions of these talented Ladakhi women in the realm of sports, particularly in the field of ice hockey.