Republic Day 2024 is just around the corner, and the entire nation is gearing up for the celebrations. In the heart of Delhi, Rajpath is set to witness spectacular parades featuring the Indian armed forces, police, and paramilitary groups, marking the essence of the day. The parade, beginning at 10:30 am on January 26, will follow the route from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path, with a seating capacity for around 77,000 spectators, 42,000 of which are reserved for the general public.

This year's celebration is centered around the themes of "Viksit Bharat" and "Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka," highlighting India's democratic values. Adding an international touch, French President Emmanuel Macron is slated to be the chief guest at the Republic Day festivities. His itinerary includes visits to iconic landmarks in Jaipur, such as Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal, along with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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The Republic Day Parade will showcase several special features this year:

Historic All-Women Tri-Services Group: For the first time, an all-women tri-services group will participate in the parade. Comprising women troops from the Army's military police and personnel from the other two services, this contingent is a significant stride towards gender inclusivity.

Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav's Remarkable Journey: Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, an air traffic controller in the Indian Air Force, will join the parade after gaining attention for her participation in the Bastille Day parade in Paris last July.

French Contingent Joins the Celebration: A 95-member marching contingent, a 33-member band contingent, two Rafale fighters, and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from France will be part of the Republic Day celebrations.

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Indian Inclusion in French Military Team: Six Indian individuals, including CCH Sujan Pathak, CPL Dipak Arya, CPL Parbin Tandan, Gurvachan Singh, Aniket Ghartimagar, and Vikas Djeassegar, will march alongside the French military team.

Saree Extravaganza: The Culture Ministry's 'Anant Sutra' exhibition will showcase sarees from various Indian states and union territories, adding a colorful touch to the parade.

AI Takes Center Stage: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will feature a tableau highlighting the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diverse sectors, showcasing scenes of AI in action.

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ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 Spotlight: ISRO's tableau will showcase the achievements of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, with a special focus on its successful landing at the moon's South Pole.

Flypast with French Inclusion: The flypast will feature a French refuel aircraft and two French Rafale aircraft, along with new-generation vehicles and notable Indian Air Force aircraft.

Diverse Special Guests: Approximately 13,000 special guests, including achievers in various government schemes and projects, have been invited to witness the parade, emphasizing the government's vision of Jan Bhagidari.

The special guests include individuals recognized for their excellence in various government schemes, from housing and cooking gas initiatives to agriculture and self-help groups, reflecting the diversity and accomplishments of the nation.

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