New Delhi: India is gearing up to commemorate its 75th Republic Day on Friday with a grand display of its military prowess and rich cultural heritage at the Kartavya Path in the heart of the national capital. The celebrations, themed around highlighting the nation's women power and democratic values, will be honored by the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in the Republic Day festivities with a 90-minute parade along the ceremonial boulevard — Kartavya Path.

The armed forces will showcase a range of domestically produced weaponry and military gear, including missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles during the parade.

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will participate in the event, marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity and empowerment. Additionally, over 100 women musicians will replace the traditional military bands, playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada.

Approximately 15 women pilots will captivate the audience during the Indian Air Force's fly-past, symbolizing 'Nari Shakti' (women power). The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also feature solely women personnel.

The Republic Day parade is scheduled to commence at 10:30 am and will last for approximately 90 minutes. The ceremony will kick off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Shortly after, President Murmu and French President Macron will arrive in the 'traditional buggy,' a tradition revived after 40 years, according to the defense ministry.

The national flag will be unfurled followed by the national anthem, accompanied by a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns.

Four Mi-17 IV helicopters from the 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience gathered at Kartavya Path. This will be followed by 'Aavaahan,' a band performance by over 100 women musicians playing various percussion instruments.

The parade will then begin with President Murmu taking the salute, under the command of Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

The Kartavya Path will witness a march past by a combined band and marching contingent of the French Armed Forces.

A total of 16 tableaux representing states, Union territories, and central ministries and departments will roll down the Kartavya Path during the parade. Participating states and Union territories include Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

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