Republic Day Parade 2024 to be Women-Centric

The all-women IAF contingent during a rehearsal for Republic Day parade 2024. (Credits: PTI)

This year’s Republic Day parade will kick off with music played on Indian musical instruments by 100 women artists, a departure from the usual military band. The parade will be showcasing the themes “India – Mother of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). A groundbreaking inclusion is a 144-personnel tri-Service women contingent, featuring 48 personnel from each service, marking their debut in the parade. Additionally, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents will feature all-women units.

All cultural performances, involving approximately 1,300 performers – the highest ever – will be exclusively by women.

In a first for another country, French Rafale fighter jets will soar over Kartavya Path, accompanied by a French marching contingent, with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.