Republic Day Parade 2025: Everything you need to know about this year’s grand celebrations

India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution on this day in 1950. The Republic Day Parade will take place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest for the occasion. This year’s theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,” underscores India’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing journey of development and progress.

The Republic Day Parade will begin at 10:30 am, with the gates opening at 7:00 am and closing at 9:00 am. The parade will start from Rashtrapati Bhavan and pass through key locations including Vijay Chowk, Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg, before concluding at the Red Fort. The parade will showcase India’s military prowess, with displays of advanced weaponry, military contingents, and cultural performances from different states of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the event by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial to honor the fallen soldiers of the country. The ceremonial parade will include marching contingents from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other uniformed services, as well as cultural troupes representing various states. Special attention will be given to the display of India’s defense capabilities, including tanks, missiles, and other military equipment. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will also be part of the procession, leading a contingent from Indonesia.

Republic Day Parade tickets are available at designated counters in Delhi and online through the Aamantran mobile app and website. The ticket prices range from ₹20 for unreserved seats to ₹100 for reserved seating. These tickets are available until January 25. Attendees will be required to carry a valid photo ID along with their tickets for entry. The Delhi Metro will provide free rides to all ticket holders on January 26. Additionally, special shuttle services will be available from metro stations to the parade venue.

In terms of traffic management, the C-Hexagon-India Gate stretch will be closed from 9:15 am until the parade marchers cross Tilak Marg. From 10:30 am onwards, vehicles will be prohibited on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Subhash Marg, in both directions, to ensure smooth movement of the parade. Those planning to travel on Republic Day are advised to follow traffic advisories to avoid disruptions.

The Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29, 2025, at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This annual event marks the end of the Republic Day festivities and will feature performances by military bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Tickets for the Beating Retreat ceremony are priced at ₹100 and can be purchased through the Aamantran app, website, and physical counters in Delhi.