Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Thursday for his two-day visit to France. He will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to take forward India-France bilateral cooperation in a range of key areas, including defence, space, trade and investment.



PM Modi will also meet President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and address an Indian community event at La Seine Musicale on Thursday.



However, the highlight of his visit will be the Bastille Day Parade on July 14 where he will be the guest of honour. A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent will take part in the annual Bastille Day parade. Three Rafale fighter jets of the IAF will also join the flypast along with French jets.




What Is Bastille Day?


Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, or 'Fête nationale française', or 'Le Quatorze Juillet', is a national holiday in France commemorating the beginning of the French Revolution. Celebrated on July 14, it is a day of national pride and unity for the French.


Significance Of Bastille Day


Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution, which began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille prison by French citizens. The Bastille, a military fortress and a prison to hold political opponents, was seen as a symbol of the monarchy's power and oppression. Its fall represented the beginning of a new era of democracy and freedom for the French people.


Bastille Day is also significant because it celebrates French unity and national identity. It is a day to honour the values of the French Republic — including liberty, equality, and fraternity — and to celebrate the contributions of French citizens to their country and the world.


History Of Bastille Day


The French Revolution was a major turning point in French history, and the storming of the Bastille was a key event in the revolution. On July 14, 1789, a group of French citizens stormed the Bastille prison in Paris, which was seen as a symbol of the monarchy's power and oppression. The fall of the Bastille marked the beginning of the revolution, which led to the overthrowing of the French monarchy that ended with Louis XVI at the guillotine. The French Revolution eventually established the French Republic.


Bastille Day was first celebrated in 1790 as Fête de la Fédération (celebration of the federation), one year after the storming of the Bastille. It was a day to celebrate the unity of the French people and the new republic. The name was changed to French National Day in 1880, and it has been celebrated as a national holiday ever since. The first Bastille Day Parade was held on this day in Paris.


Commemorative Events And Traditions


Bastille Day is celebrated with a number of events and traditions throughout France. The most famous of these is the military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, which features French troops, military bands, and flyovers by the French Air Force. The parade is attended by French government officials, foreign dignitaries, and members of the public. This is the oldest and largest military parade in Europe.


Another important tradition is the lighting of the Eiffel Tower, which is illuminated with the colours of the French flag on the evening of July 14. Fireworks displays are also held throughout the country, with some of the largest displays taking place in Paris and other major cities. Last year the Eiffel Tower was lit up in blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine in its war against Russia.



Cultural Celebrations


Bastille Day is also a day to celebrate French culture and heritage. Festivals and fairs are held throughout the country, with traditional French food, music, and dance on display. Many museums and historical sites offer free admission on Bastille Day, and there are often special exhibitions and events to mark the occasion.