President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the 74th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi tomorrow.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the chief guest at the parade that will witness zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and ‘Jan Bhagidari’, as envisioned by the Modi Government.

The week-long R-Day celebrations commenced on 23 January, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. To mark the occasion, a one-of-a-kind Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram ka’ was organised in New Delhi on 23-24 January. The events will culminate on 30 January, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day.

The celebrations are marked by attractive performances from Vande Bharatam group of dancers from across the country, tales of bravery by Veer Gatha 2.0 participants, melodious performances by School Bands at the National War Memorial, first-ever e-invitations, the largest-ever drone show and 3-D anamorphic projection.

The parade, which will begin at around 10:30 am, will be a unique mix of India’s military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a ‘New India’.

The parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the PM and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. Amongst the many firsts, the 21-gun salute will be given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns. It replaces the vintage 25-pounder gun, reflecting upon the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path.

The parade will commence with the President taking the salute. It will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a second-generation army officer. Maj Gen Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command. The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow.

Marching down the Kartavya Path for the first time will be the combined Band & Marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces, led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy. The contingent will consist of 144 soldiers, representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

A major highlight of the parade this year will be Veterans’ Tableau, with the theme ‘Towards India’s Amrit Kaal with Resolve – A Veterans’ Commitment”. It will provide a glimpse of veterans’ contributions in the last 75 years and their initiatives in shaping India’s future during ‘Amrit Kaal’.

Twenty-three tableaux, including 17 from states/Union Territories, depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and strong internal and external security will also roll down the Kartavya Path.